What was your first job as a journalist?
U.S.-Mexico border reporter for El Paso (Texas) Times.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes.
How is social media changing news?
It's quick and interactive.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Maddy Bowen, from "Blood Diamond," because she is not interested if it's not on the record.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To be flexible. To learn quickly, listen well and communicate clearly.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
, Spanish for
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
LinkedIn is pretty cool. But a personalized email without attachments is good, too.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Nothing fancy. A web browser, excel, word, dictionary, phone, Tweet Deck, iPad, iPhone.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter.
Who do you wish followed you?
Madonna.
Why did you become a journalist?
It was my dad's idea and I've loved it ever since.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I just finished writing a piece on the beauty-pageant circuit in Sinaloa, a state known for being the craddle of drug trafficking in Mexico.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Read. Keep a journal of your life starting up in the business. Intern and learn. Listen.
