What was your first job as a journalist?
I was a reporter for my college newspaper The O'Colly. I ended up writing everything from movie reviews to sports recaps.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I have, but not to write an entire story. I think selling typewriter keyboards for desktop computers would be a great business idea!
How is social media changing news?
Many people get their news exclusively from Twitter. It's great for accessibility, but people often share articles without reading them.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Phil Connors from Groundhog Day is by far my favorite. He may not be a good journalist, but his sarcasm can be relatable on a deep level.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a journalist is about disseminating information and presenting it in an honest and thoughtful light.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
was memorable for me. It made me laugh because the hashtag was filled with memes, but it sparked an important conversation.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer knowing exactly what is expected of me when being pitched a story, because my goal is to deliver that in full.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I mostly use Microsoft Word or Wordpress right now, but I have used NewsEditPro in the past. I am also proficient in Powerpoint and Excel.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter is one of the best - and worst - places to get news. It is where I live on the internet.
Who do you wish followed you?
I grew up a Jeff Gordon fan and followed his NASCAR career as a child until he retired when I was in college. I deeply admire his journey.
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist because I love writing. I was the only child I knew of growing up who enjoyed writing essays. It's been worth it!
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
My high school did not have a newspaper. I would have loved to write about my school's sports teams.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I wrote an article about a man who used a homeless shelter and rehabilitation facility to get clean and reunite with his family.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Journalism is a tough business, but if you are passionate about it, it is the best job in the world.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Any time is best for me. I am nearly always either on my phone or my laptop. I can write anytime, anywhere.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I was asked to write NFL mock drafts with scouting analysis. It allowed me to be creative and harness my passion for football in a fun way.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
A very wealthy individual renovated a 100-year-old creamery to be his penthouse after he lied about restoring it to its original form.
What's your favorite drink?
Green tea is my favorite drink. It relaxes me and helps me focus.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
I am most likely in front of a television watching local or national news. I spend most of my time consuming news media.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I love the New York Times mostly for its profiles. My favorite type of articles are profiles on important people - famous or not.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Sports reporters just write their opinions instead of doing copious amounts of research. Data journalism in sports is often great reporting.
