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A Missouri Educational Foundation:
I'm originally from Minnesota. I was on the high school newspaper and yearbook staff. I heard about the Missouri School of Journalism through a Mizzou alum. Because of this family friend's advice, I decided to apply. And, I wanted to get out of state. The Missouri School of Journalism offered me plenty of opportunities. It has a very straightforward, practical approach that I really liked. You come out of classes knowing basic things, like how to write leads, obituaries and even how a police scanner works. One of the most important things to me was having the opportunity to meet great people at Mizzou. Those connections make all the difference in the professional world.

The Job Search:
I went to Maine in July 2002 as the first participant in the Blethen Maine Newspapers Minority Graduate Program. This program really helped my career. Everyone needs a good jumping off point or someone to take a chance on them. The Graduate Program was a good opportunity because it was year-long, which really let me establish my sources and follow-through on stories.

Selecting the Company and City:
I was living in Columbia looking for work after graduation and sent in my application for the Blethen Maine Newspapers Minority Graduate Program. They actually contacted me while I was visiting family in Minneapolis. I had never been to Maine, and I really liked the idea of going to the East Coast. At that time, this program was the best opportunity for me. I'm happy I took it. I'm happy at the Press Herald, and I really enjoy living in Portland. I like the work I'm doing and some day may move on to something else.

Starting Your Job:
It wasn't easy getting started. I didn't know anyone here or anything about Maine. But as a journalist, you expect to go places where you're uncomfortable for a while, and after a while things will change. I worked as a general assignment reporter, and that was a good way to get to know the people and the area. After the Blethen Maine Newspapers Minority Graduate Program ended, I was hired on full time at the Press Herald. Even in the first few weeks and months, there honestly wasn't that much of a change. The biggest surprise is that I was getting paid more. During the program I was covering three towns for the Metro staff, and I continued that beat. Aside from finding a new apartment, my work stayed the same.

Reality Check:
I've faced a few professional challenges since entering the workforce. Second guessing is always a challenge for any good journalist. You can't doubt yourself while you're writing or reporting a story. But once a story is done, I sometimes find myself thinking about what I didn't do or if I could have done something better. But what I enjoy most is when people in the community come to me with story ideas, events or anything else that may have gone unnoticed. I get paid to write for a living, and getting a paycheck to do something you like isn't bad at all.

Being Successful:
I was named "Young Journalist of the Year" and won the Bob Drake Young Writer's Award (sponsored by the Maine Press Association). It was a big surprise, and I still don't know if I earned it because I'm sure that there are just as many other people who deserved it. But I am grateful. I just try to stay true to what I am writing about, and if I can offer a new perspective along the way, that's great!

Career Advice:
When you leave the J-School, don't be afraid to try anything. I think people sometimes try to focus in on one area or subject. I've written business stories, sports stories, features, columns and, of course, news. Be flexible, and get as much experience as possible. Also, send out as many resumes and clip packets as you can afford, and don't be picky. The odds are not in your favor when you're starting out, so you have to do your best to even them out. Know that things will be rough early on and that you are likely to be seen as the "rookie" for a while. Don't be afraid to go some place you know nothing about. It could be a great experience.

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