What was your first job as a journalist?
It was a volunteer position and work with my university paper covering a local art story that was very in touch with the city.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No, I have not but I aspire to use one only to gain an understanding of what my successors in the past had to utilize.
How is social media changing news?
Social media is making it difficult for consumers of the news to understand what is real and what is fake. This has caused recent distrust.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means reporting and/or telling a story that the world should see regardless of its relevance or importance to society.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Through an email message with a brief summary or explanation.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Nothing fancy, just Google Docs, a reporter pad, an audio recorder and sticky notes.
What's your favorite social network?
I'm not sure if this means for everything or a specific social media, but I suppose Instagram.
Who do you wish followed you?
Honestly, I do not wish for anyone to follow me. I admire people, but I do not yearn for their following.
Why did you become a journalist?
I enjoy writing and I wanted to leave some sort of impact on the world.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, and I covered local high school-related events as well as culture.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
I'm an aspiring journalist myself, but I would advise others to believe in themselves and not overthink their questions for their interviewees.
What's your favorite drink?
I would have to say water. Nothing beats a cold glass of water.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Probably in a chair playing guitar and trying to unwind.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Axios because their style of reporting deconstructs why a story or news is important.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Probably that news is only crime and big-time politicians
