Where are you from and what were you doing before enrolling in graduate school?

I am originally from Oaxaca, Mexico. I came to Los Angeles at the age of four and have called this home ever since. I took the community college route going to Santa Monica College where I served as sports editor for their student paper The Corsair. After SMC, I transferred to Cal State Long Beach where I branched out into Spanish podcasts, serving as Podcast Manager for Dig en Español, Long Beach’s first Spanish language magazine. 

Immediately after obtaining my bachelor’s degree, and aside my full-time 9-5 job, I began working as a freelance sports reporter for the Long Beach Press Telegram covering high school football and basketball in Long Beach, Cerritos, Artesia, Downey, and Bellflower. 

How did you learn of the degree program and why did you choose USC Annenberg?

It wasn’t in my plans to obtain a master’s degree, but after lots of struggles to obtain a full-time job my partner Keily – a USC Rossier graduate – encouraged me to consider a graduate degree. I began making trips to campus with her and almost immediately fell in love with the Trojan community. I had taken trips to USC before as a kid, but for some reason this felt different.

After intensive research, I knew that the Specialized Journalism program was for me. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get a master’s degree that had an emphasis in sports journalism. Annenberg had it all – a vast network of alumni and professionals, amazing resources, and a dedicated and passionate group of professors and directors. 

What have you enjoyed the most about the degree program?

I love how welcoming everyone was. From directors to professors to my cohort, they all welcomed me with open arms. I think what really surprised me was how much some professors knew about me before I knew them. It goes to show how passionate they are about getting to know their students. Having that flexibility and trust to work side-by-side with professors outside the classroom is incredible. The Annenberg community is home and even when I graduate, I know it’ll always be home.