What was your first job as a journalist?
I was a staff writer for The Spectator, which is the student newspaper at UW-Eau Claire.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I unfortunately have not but would love to experience it.
How is social media changing news?
It literally is a 24-hour cycle that doesn't sleep, and it's become more vital than ever to get information right.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
You have the capability and responsibility to make a story relate to people who may need that information or inspiration for their own lives.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Either email where the assignment editor can be descriptive or phone call where we can talk out details.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Google Drive, InDesign, social medias, books, articles, Sound Cloud
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter because it quickly leads to me what is happening around the world. Plus, people can be quite creative in 160 characters.
Who do you wish followed you?
Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and Patrick Mahomes
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist to tell people's story with the hopes of inspiring readers to make a similar difference in their own lives.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
The life story of late UW-Eau Claire assistant football coach Derrick Swanigan, who made it his mission to make campus a more diverse place.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Network as much as you can, write for any publication that lets you and never let anybody tell you to give up on your goals.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Any time, but I'm usually most responsive mid-morning to early afternoon.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
To write about a JV basketball team that had only lost a few games.
What's your favorite drink?
It's tough to beat a good hazy IPA.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Outside running
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The Washington Post
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That sports is just about the x's and o's. So many interesting stories come from athletics that sometimes has little to do with the score.
