What was your first job as a journalist?
A sports intern at PA Football News.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes. I never have to again.
How is social media changing news?
Everything you need is in the palm of your hand. It makes everyone a journalist, for good or bad.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Clark Kent.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means that you need to value the objective facts and truth no matter what your beliefs are. You also need to make everything digestable.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I have no preference. A pitch is a pitch.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use WordPress, Squid, InDesign, Lightroom, Google Docs, Word, X, Instagram, Blue Sky, and more.
What's your favorite social network?
X (formerly known as Twitter).
Who do you wish followed you?
I wish Walter Cronkite could follow me.
Why did you become a journalist?
To inform people and make them question their beliefs at times. Critical thinking is more important than ever. I want to make it easier.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No. Unfortunately, we did not have one.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I am most proud of my James Jackson feature. I dedicated weeks to researching and crafting the "perfect" story.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Never stopping chasing stories. Be persistent. Never say no to an opportunity. Hard work always beats talent.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Any time. But ideally 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET any day of the week.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
An insight on the possible firing of a head coach.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
A story on the Pope and how he somehow lines up with Villanova basketball.
What's your favorite drink?
Water or a Orange Cream Olipop.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
On my phone waiting for news or on a run.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The New York Times or AP.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
It is easy or not important.
