What was your first job as a journalist?
Working at the Grand Valley Lanthorn was my first paid position.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes I have!
How is social media changing news?
Citizen journalism is on the rise. It's a blessing and a course to have info pop up that quick. Sources are active, but so is false info.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Peter Parker. The guy has spunk. Oh, and a knack for having a beat on Spiderman.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means to value truth, accuracy and storytelling. A journalist is a public servant, in my eyes. You only serve the public in this field.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I don't follow tons of news-related trends or hashtags, unfortunately.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Just honesty. A few paragraphs in a casual email always sticks better than a press release at times.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Word and Google Docs for stories. I also use Photoshop and InDesign.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter, hands down.
Who do you wish followed you?
Stronger editors. The only way to improve is to have sharper eyes on your stories.
Why did you become a journalist?
I love telling and sharing stories. My favorite emails to get are people telling me they learned or appreciate something new.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I was a staff writer, assistant arts editor and eventually Editor-in-Chief of the award-winning Glenbrook South Oracle.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I love my investigative work, especially my piece on GVSU library budget cuts. Interviewing music celebrities (like Andrew W.K.) as well.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Don't be intimidated. Every journalist has a horror story - an interview, error or story backlash. Learn from it. Apologize. Keep writing.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I check my email constantly, so the sooner the better! Ideally, send something over on a Thursday or Friday.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The pitches that people send me about friends they admire doing cool things are always the best.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Story pitches about new "savvy" products targeted at college students are always the hardest to read through.
What's your favorite drink?
I nearly exclusively drink water, but a snowberry Peace Tea or a Coke from McDonalds both are stellar ways to break that rule.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Either playing games with my friends and family or behind a Dungeon Master's screen.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I'm a nerd for Associated Press news
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That Grand Valley's governing bodies (student and faculty senate) carry little weight. A lot goes on behind the scenes.
