What was your first job as a journalist?
My first published work was for Toronto Observer, a student-and-instructor run platform online.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I have not used a typewriter before.
How is social media changing news?
Social media is where a lot of people gather new information. Even after The Online News Act (Canada, Bill C-18) was put in, people still look to non-meta platforms to see news updates. We as journalists, are adapting to a constantly changing landscape.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To me, being a journalist is constantly learning new things through research and interviews, meeting new people, and being invested the world around me.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I don't usually get pitched any stories, but as I check my email a lot, it is a good way to reach me.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use my laptop, lavalier mic, podcasting mic, and phone most, but I also have a DSLR camera and desktop computer I use pretty regularly. To transcribe interviews, I use Otter.ai because it also keeps the audio and makes my job easier when double checking the words. I have used Adobe premier pr and VSDC video editor to make video stories. I have used audacity for radio and podcast work for class. Mostly, I used Microsoft Word and Google docs for writing. I also often use zoom for remote interviews.
Why did you become a journalist?
I've always enjoyed reading and doing research to learn new things. In journalism I get to use both skills, and I am always learning something.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
My high school didn't have a student paper, we only had Newsletters handed out about events or P.A. system announcements.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
It's tough to say which one I'm most proud of. I'm proud of my first pieces at Toronto Observer and Beach Metro Community News, as they marked the beginning at either place. I'm proud of my environmental coverage for Toronto Observer, but that includes three stories. "Warmer weather draws people and animals out to parks, where litter abounds" is about litter cleanup, "Photosynthesis causes different changes in autumn trees this year" is about the fall leaves, and "Farmers in the GTA have been prepared for the extra heat this fall" is about the impact climate change has on the harvest season.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Pitch stories that you would want to read. I have done my best work when it was a subject I was already very interested in. Also, if you would want to read about it, other people will too. Just make sure you pitch it to the right outlet for the topic and make sure they haven't published anything about it too recently.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I'm not sure when the best time to pitch me is, as no one has pitched me any stories. I fo check my email frequently throughout the day, so I don't miss anything.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I have not been pitched any stories. I have pitched stories to my editors, and been assigned stories that came up.
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee is definitely my favourite drink. At home I make lattes, and iced coffee if I'm staying in to work on something, but still want something a little fancier, but it's still always coffee.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
When I'm not on my computer, I am likely either at college, wherever my most recent story has led me.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I often read or watch from The Walrus, CBC, City News Toronto, CTV, Durham Radio News, DurhamRegion.com, and The Weather Network.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
I don't have a set beat, but I focus a lot on community news. Sometimes people view community news as small, but it is very important and there are always many local stories to tell, if you're observant.
