Have you ever used a typewriter?
Unfortunately No.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
One news-related hashtag that tickled my funny bone of late was
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
First and foremost, word processors are vital for the wordsmiths of the paper. Microsoft Word is a universal favorite due to its advanced grammar and spell-check algorithms, but other options such as Google Docs and Apple’s Pages are gaining popularity for their seamless cloud synchronization.In an era where news breaks online, proficiency with CMS like WordPress is practically a requirement. These platforms allow for seamless publication of stories on the web, incorporating multimedia elements and interfacing with social media platforms.
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook and Pinterest.
Who do you wish followed you?
Perhaps it's a fame thing - having a celebrity or influencer on your list would give your ego a nice little boost. Or maybe it speaks more to your aspiration, and having the CEO of a startup or a renowned journalist amongst your followers would affirm that you're heading in the right direction. Or, more heartfelt, it could be loved ones, friends, or family who aren't with us anymore, wishing they could still be privy to the goings-on in your life.
Why did you become a journalist?
Embarking upon a career as a spirituality journalist was not simply a choice, it was a calling I felt deeply needed to be answered.I got steeped in this realm of journalism somewhat fortuitously. I found myself intrigued after attending a series of talks on philosophy, theology, and spirituality during my university years. These ranged from traditional religious beliefs to new age spiritual practices. I felt a magnetic pull towards around these abstruse concepts, traditions, and ideologies that seemed to transcend the mundane concerns of everyday life. They spoke to the core of the human condition and sought to answer our deepest, most fundamental questions: Who are we? What is our purpose? Is there a higher power we should aspire to connect with?
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I was on the hunt for the heart of a story - a story that would eventually earn me a sense of unparalleled professional pride.The story revolved around a local non-profit organization that had silently expanded its operations, touching the lives of countless individuals. They bolstered the community in a myriad of ways, offering both material aid and emotional support. But hidden amidst the selfless acts and touching scenes, lay a story of resilience, perseverance, and grit that had yet to be unraveled by the broader community.Over an exhaustive span of two months, I found myself knee-deep in interviews, diving into the archives, meeting with local leaders, and speaking to families that had their fates intertwined with the organization. The process was as enriching as it was rigorous, helping me piece together a mosaic of experiences and emotions.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
As professional journalists, we tiptoe daily along the fickle line of truth and perspective, wielding the pen – or more aptly, the keyboard – as our tool of trade. To those set to embark on this exhilarating journey, here are a few time-tested pointers to guide you as you navigate the winding path of journalism.First and foremost, never underestimate the importance of accuracy. The business of journalism is truth-telling. It's about cold, hard facts presented in crisp, clear prose. There isn't a faster route to discrediting your own work than being caught misrepresenting a fact or worse, outright fabrications. Research is key. Strenuously fact-check every piece of information that goes into your report. In the internet age, information is readily available but always be cautious. Cross verify from multiple sources before you settle down to write.Unbridled curiosity is both a tool and a trait in journalism. Dig deeper, question relentlessly, and be habitual in understanding the rationale behind actions and decisions. To coin a famous Sherlock Holmes quote, leave no stone unturned.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
For me, the most compelling pitch I ever encountered was from an individual who could articulate a profound message of spiritual transcendence despite being shrouded in an aura of modesty. Her humility, lightness of spirit, and sense of inner balance impressed upon me the profound influence spirituality had on her life - a testament to the genuine transformation it can bring about.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Apart from my professional commitments, which necessitate my hunching over a keyboard for countless hours, one is most likely to find me spurned by the lure of electric energy, seeking respite amidst nature's splendors.You see, when the paraphernalia of digital engagement become a demanding host, I retreat to the balm of open skies, cradling winds, and life's unadorned lullabies. Whether it's the whisper of the woods- a captivating cacophony of creatures sequestered in unseen corners, or the rhythmic ostinato of ocean waves, born from an age-old dance with gravity — I heed their call.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
As a reporter entrenched in a world of words and narratives, I confess an unshakable admiration for The New York Times. The Times, an iconic vessel of news, fresh takes, and expertly written prose, brings a worldly perspective consistently unrivaled in journalism.From insightful political coverage that throws light into the intricate corridors of global power to their cultural reporting that gracefully captures the zeitgeist of the moment, The Times continually serves the intellectual appetites of its readers with refined sophistication.Its business section, wielding incisive reporting and shrewd analysis, peels back the lavishly adorned curtain of Wall Street, revealing its spontaneous drama to the everyday reader. There, wrapped in a cocoon of expert commentary and industry insight, the evolution of the global economy unfolds in real time.
