I’m also awesome because…
I’m a quick, concise and clean writer who thrives under deadline pressure and responds well to constructive criticism.
I’m a skilled reporter, editor, page designer, graphic designer, web designer, dancer, actress and babysitter. Some skills are stronger than others, but I’ll always do my best. I am always trying to learn new things and strengthen my lesser skills because I never know when I’ll have the opportunity to step into a new role.
I love science, space and technology and will stand up for anyone who is called a “nerd” for their interest in the world and skills in “geek” subjects.
My favorite television show of all time is Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Buffy changed primetime serial drama with the story arc across single and multiple seasons. It showcased a strong, beautiful young woman who dealt with everyday teenage experiences and wasn’t the most popular girl in school but “saved the world” on a daily basis while doing a thankless job. I appreciate pop culture that emphasizes strength and intelligence among female characters.
I grew up in Oak Lawn, Ill., but since I started college in 2006, I have lived in:
- Milwaukee, Wis. (where I taught ESL to adults on the city’s south side, tutored younger students and learned how to manage a staff and produce a successful news magazine run entirely by students)
- Orlando, Fla. (where I spent each day helping to create magical experiences for families visiting Disney’s Hollywood Students)
- Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico (where I learned how to play guitarra folklórico and developed a sense of biculturalism while immersing myself in the culture and studying the history of my ancestors)
- Bronxville, N.Y. (where I spent my days off work exploring the diverse neighborhoods in Manhattan and staking out Broadway shows for cheap student tickets)
- Phoenix, Ariz. (where I was a Pulliam Fellow among 10 other young journalists who all continue to amaze me with their exceptional work in our field)
- Washington, D.C. (where I reported on Capitol Hill for my final quarter of graduate school and learned that while I love to travel and experience life in other cities, I’ll always end up back in the Midwest)
I’m proud of my hometown, and I value every experience I’ve had across the country. In all of these places, I have been able to develop lasting friendships, adapt to new climates and cultures, find new things to learn and spend time helping others.
I grew up hoping to someday work for the Chicago Tribune, and I have been reading the paper’s RedEye since its first issue in 2002. I don’t know if that’s what I’ll ever end up doing, but the awesome thing is that I am excited for anywhere journalism may take me — and I love to see what the evolving industry is coming up with in terms of media consumption. (From free entertainment newspapers like RedEye 10 years ago to innovative iPad apps today.)
My other journalistic life goals include: working for The Onion, starting my own magazine and writing a TV column for a major news website. Then I’d like to be on Dancing With the Stars and write occasional guest columns for Entertainment Weekly.
