What was your first job as a journalist?
Freelancing for my local newspaper. Their HS football beat writer was battling cancer & I filled in for him for a season.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I have never used a typewriter for a legitimate purpose. I found one at my grandpa's house when I was 10 & played around with it.
How is social media changing news?
It's including everybody. I'm from a small town and I've interacted with NY Times reporters and CNN anchors.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Peter Parker. He's really not an ethical journalist, since he stages photos of himself as Spider-Man, but he's my favorite super hero.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means everything. You help people. You give out information. If there's a social injustice, you point it out. People need journalists.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
about Anthony Weiner was an interesting one.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
At this point in life, I'll take whatever I can get however I can get it. Are we talking about girlfriends or stories?
What's your favorite social network?
Definitely twitter. It's designed so perfectly for journalists. Post a link and a headline. 260 characters is a perfect sound bite.
Who do you wish followed you?
On twitter or real life? Interesting people.
Why did you become a journalist?
It was the first thing I ever felt passionately about. And, at 26-years-old, it's still the only thing I'm passionate about.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did everything for my HS newspaper. After I graduated, they stopped having a newspaper. Those were good times.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
A March of Dimes walk in 2011. There's a lot of bad things in my town and it felt good to spotlight this really good cause.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Never give up on your dreams. Learn from criticism. Most importantly, do well in school and graduate in a timely manner.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Any time of the day, really. I get by on surprisingly little sleep and seem to function well. Or, at least I think I function well :)
