What was your first job as a journalist?
I worked at my high school's monthly newspaper.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No, I wish! Though I can't handle not having spell-check when typing.
How is social media changing news?
I can't answer this using just 160 characters.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Holly Hunter's character in the 1987 film "Broadcast News."
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means having the courage, tenacity and initiative to find the truth that everyone wants to know.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
No preference really. I'll listen to anyone's pitch!
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Facebook, Twitter, any type of government website
What's your favorite social network?
I find Twitter to be incredibly informative, especially if you follow major news outlets like TIME or the Wall Street Journal.
Who do you wish followed you?
Tim Steller at the Arizona Daily Star. He's a magnificent writer.
Why did you become a journalist?
I have an intrinsic love for storytelling. I don't have the discipline to write a novel, so journalism seemed like a natural substitute.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I wrote articles, designed pages and occasionally took a photo.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
While working at Arizona Public Media, I produced a short behind-the-scenes documentary on a college production of "The Glass Menagerie."
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Keep yours eyes open and a notepad on hand.
When's the best time to pitch you?
In the early morning!
What's the best pitch you ever got?
A paramedic asked if I wanted to watch him practice medical procedures on a human cadaver.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Someone asked me to write an article about their wedding.
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee!
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Out for a walk.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Wall Street Journal
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Technically I don't really have a beat. I will say there is nothing "general" about being a General Assignment Reporter.
