Out of all of the processes of the paper, I am most directly involved in the writing process, and quite honestly, I couldn't be happier! While I do recite CRAP design to my staffers frequently (Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, Proximity!), writing is where my heart lies.

 

I believe taking the Bobby Hawthorne Experience at the 2014 MIPA Summer Workshop took me from being an "okay" writer to a great writer. I learned what great writing is and what it isn't. In the end, I even received an Award of Excellence in the class!

 

Over time, I have learned how to write well, how to tell stories, and how journalism can make an impact. As I continue to learn and grow as a journalist, I am able to share what I have gathered with my other staff members through coaching them in their own writing.

 

While I love having the ability to teach new staffers about my passion for journalism, it can come as a challenge. With a current staff of 28 people--more than double last year's staff--I have simply not had the time to coach 24 new staffers and pursue stories that will challenge me as a writer. Because of this, I wrote more challenging stories during my junior year than I did this year. I also experienced more growth as a writer last year.

 

Below is a timeline of some of my favorite pieces dating from sophomore year to senior year. Click the headlines to read the article.