What was your first job as a journalist?
Writing editorials and daily news stories for HelloGiggles in its early, bubbly and fun days.
How is social media changing news?
It's making it worse in many ways -- tons of erroneous or biased posts -- but it's also giving people access where they didn't have it before
Who do you wish followed you?
Anyone who is looking for ethical journalism (with heart).
Why did you become a journalist?
To hold power to account, to give a voice to the voiceless, and to inform the public on stories that matter. What other reason is there?
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
We didn't have a newspaper, but I helped run yearbook every year. I did... everything? Is that an answer? (Photo spreads, copy/editing, etc).
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Any of my stories on Nicaragua, on pandemics and epidemics, on tough or complicated political matters that I dissected into simpler parts.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Trust your gut and always tell the truth. Don't go into this line of work for fame or money -- and never sacrifice good reporting for access.
