What was your first job as a journalist?
News/features writer for the Panther, Chapman University's student-run publication.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes.
How is social media changing news?
It spreads news like wildfire. With the blink of an eye a news story can be Tweeted or posted on Facebook and reach networks of thousands.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Drew Barrymore as Josie Geller -- an investigative journalist in the 1999 film, "Never Been Kissed."
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a voice for the voiceless.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Creatively, concisely and politely--not spammed.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Ground reporting, public records, community websites/blogs, agendas/minutes
What's your favorite social network?
I love them all! Twitter seems to be an extremely powerful news force-multiplier.
Who do you wish followed you?
Anyone who I could connect with! LA Times/NY Times would be a dream come true!
Why did you become a journalist?
To make a difference in the world through using my passion as a power to help others and shed light on important issues.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Unfortunately my high school didn't have a paper, but I wrote and edited for Chapman University's newspaper and online magazine.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
A story on coyotes in the community...dozens of residents thanked me for "making a difference in their worlds." It was beyond rewarding.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Always dig deeper. Never lose hope, as frustrating as it can be at times, it's an essential career to the public and is extremely rewarding.
