Introduction to a journalist
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| (Image Information: personal photo of my family; photo from May 2017) |
If you were to ask me what's most important to me, I'd have to tell you it's the people in my life. My family members (my parents and my little brother) are my best friends. They live about 900 miles away from me right now in Atlanta, Georgia, where we've been for the last two years, so any time I get to spend with them is very sweet.
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| (Image information: personal photo, my friend Devin and me; photo from September 2016) |
My immediate family isn't my only "family"— my best friend, Devin, has been with me since seventh grade. We're long distance as well, as she recently moved to New York City, but her friendship has kept me grounded and been a huge source of joy for the past eight years. My other family is the one I work with...
My job means long hours, editing and deadline frustrations with reporters, and being constantly available to cover breaking news, but it also means wonderful friendships and family, constant learning and growth, and an opportunity to report on meaningful subjects like race or mental health.
All of this work is leading up to what I hope will be a life-long career. I would love to write and report at a magazine or newspaper, preferably in a field like mental or physical health. I love that journalism allows me to learn about and share important or underrepresented topics, to add a meaningful voice to the conversation by elevating others, and to form relationships and converse with people with important stories, no matter how large or small.
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| (Image Information: personal photo of my family; photo from August 2016) |
I also love to cook, watch Netflix, or be with my friends when I'm not busy. But this semester, I am excited about school. Aside from this class, I'm also taking an Interactive Multimedia class, which will teach me how to code, and a Feature Writing class (among other classes), both of which I'm very excited about. I'm hoping this will be a wonderful (busy!) semester full of growth and learning, and I'm excited to begin.
I love how you prioritize your friends and family and how everyone you interact with also becomes your family, it is so sad that you live so far away from them though. It is so cool that you are already doing what you love by working at the OU Daily. I am definitely an outdoors person too; your picture is so captivating!
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice having the Daily represented in class this semester, Emma: there's you and Dana, and I'm not sure if I will find others as I work through the Introductions. And the world sure needs journalists, especially right now. Teaching online, I am so grateful for the OUDaily Twitter feed: that's how I learn about all kinds of things to share with the class. And you are so right that being a journalist is a great career for lifelong learning; that's also true for being a teacher! Climbing: I just read an Introduction from someone in class who is a serious climber... let me find it: yes, Matt — he might have climbing gym recommendations! Meanwhile, I hope this class will be a good addition to your writing and media activities this semester both in your other classes and at the Daily!
ReplyDeleteHi Emma!
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome that you are already a journalist. To be honest, I cringed a little when I first read that as I don't like all of the "flashy" articles out there in today's age. I quickly was booted from that to feelings of appreciation. We need more people like you that write over topics that truly matter and need more attention and not some article about Kylie Jenner (sorry to those fans reading, lol). Keep up the amazing work and I'm sure your dreams will find you!!
Thanks for sharing!
Hello Emma!
ReplyDeleteI think that is awesome that you are getting to already be a Journalist. For me (as a pre-dental student) I only get to watch dentists do their work so I'm excited to actually perform. I remember when I lived in a fraternity house how the OU Daily would come and I would usually read it when I enjoyed my breakfast. I think it is awesome how they let students report such interesting stories and bring the truth of the University to life.
I also love being outdoors. One of my favorite family vacations was to Colorado where my family and I did some white water rafting. I'm jealous that back home you have a river so close. You should definitely join a rock climbing club where you can get out of your normal environment here in school and relax. Plus its a good work out and who doesn't enjoy the feeling of accomplishing something? Then again its also nice to relax and watch Netflix like you said.
Good luck with this semester and working at the OU Daily!
Hi Emma! What you do as a journalist as well as what you wanting to do in the future are quite amazing. You are awesome for wanting to write about materials that are rarely in the headlines. It is also amazing how you are able to cope with being so far away from your family and friends as you love them so much. I live only 2 hours away from home and I miss my family, especially my little sister a lot and cannot wait for the holiday so that I can come home. During freshman year, the dorm gives out the Daily everyday and I did read some articles and I was glad there was something to help me keeping up with all the news! Thank you for telling us about yourself. Good luck with the rest of the school year and at work!
ReplyDeleteHi Emma!
ReplyDeleteWow, first off, your introduction page looks amazing. You definitely are more of an expert at creating a blogging interface than me! Really awesome to see that you have such a true love for spending time with friends and family. It's also great that you're already chasing your dreams and starting out at the OU Daily. What a great experience! I am looking forward to read your stories this semester!
Hi Emma!
ReplyDeleteI think it is seriously so cool that you work at the OU Daily! I constantly read articles you guys post, and have used it to keep up with things that are going on on campus and around the country too! I love to hike too, I definitely wish there were more trails here in Oklahoma but the Wichita Mountains are a really good place to go, if you haven't already! The view from the top of Mount Scott is beautiful and on one side you can hike up massive rocks the size of cars all the way to the top! I love your style and I can't wait to read your future stories!
Hey there Emma. Like other people have commented about I to think its pretty cool that you work at the OU Daily and to put a face and background to a name is actually pretty exciting. I totally know what you mean by having long nights and crazy hours with your work. But if your like me you find yourself living for that sometimes, like you want more of it. Finally I love, love the last phone you have posted. The view is stunning! You just have to love this weather right now, better get out there and do some hiking before it gets too cold!
ReplyDeleteHi Emma! I loved reading your blog post and about how passionate you are about your career in journalism. That's so cool that you are getting so much awesome experience with it while still working on your degree. I'm sure that future employers will love that on your resume! Also, I love that you're so close to your family. I am 5 hours away from mine and I think that's long distance sometimes so I can't imagine being that far away.
ReplyDeleteHi Emma! I think your passion behind your job and potential career is so nice to see! You seem very dedicated to what you love. It’s hard to be far away from loved ones, but it seems like you are making the best of it! It’s good to see people still keeping in touch, and making sure that bond remains even if distance gets in the way. That’s a great quality. Looking forward to your writing!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you love your job. That's great, my dad always tells me to go do something that I love, and the money will come. You are winning, well done. Your friend, Devon, also looks very sweet! It seems as though you two have had some good times together. It's rare to see someone who stayed great friends with someone from such a confusing time in life. How fun.
ReplyDeleteHey Emma!! When I saw your full name on the blog before I saw and pictures, I said to myself, "oh please let this be the sweet girl that I had spanish class with!" And sure enough, your picture appeared and here you are! It's so nice to meet ya! (Well, the blog you haha). I am glad that you also acknowledge how much you smile, because sometimes I was convinced that a smile was just glued to your face at all times! I had no idea that your family lives in Atlanta, that sure is a ways from here! But I am sure that it makes reuniting with your family that much sweeter :)
ReplyDeleteHey Emma!
ReplyDeleteThat's great that you are already making your future goals/dreams of being a journalist reality! It's such a good example of it's never too soon to get started on what you're passionate about. I also love writing, but I'm definitely more of a fiction writer. Props to you for seeing everything in the world and wanting to write about it like it is rather than embellishing and writing what you wish you see.
Hello, Emma.
ReplyDeleteI actually work as the Ad Manager for OU Ad Force. So we probably have worked together or seen each other in the halls. This is a nice way to get to know a little bit about you. I also adore Torchy’s queso (but I do not like their tacos oddly enough).
Emma this was such a joy to read!! You come across so clearly in this introduction and it was so great to get to learn more about you and your sweet friends! That's awesome that you edit the OU Daily - it's nice to get to put a face to the newspaper, it really helps to humanize it! It sounds like that takes a ton of time and commitment but I'm sure it's a great stepping stone toward being a journalist in the future! Thank you also for including such fun pictures! I loved getting to see a little glimpse into your life and am sending you major happy thoughts for this semester! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteHey Emma,
ReplyDeleteI think it is amazing that you work for The OU Daily. Thank you for putting the links to some stories with the blog. I read the one over mental health. I live in Oklahoma, so I do not have to use the Goddard Health Center for doctors’ visits. I did not realize how bad it was to get an appointment and the under staffing of the counseling center. You seem to have a passion for journalism and will go far in the profession. Good luck this semester and with all of your extra work I am sure you have with the paper!
Hi Emma,
ReplyDeleteI feel like I really get a sense of YOU from your introduction! I especially love your opening about smiles and finger guns because same! I also appreciate that you're a family girl, first and foremost, and that you include lifelong friends as family because same to that as well! It's so awesome that you're already living your journalistic dream and I imagine that that experience is going to be super helpful when you're ready to move on to bigger things! I hope you get to see your family soon! It was so nice to meet you!
Hey Emma!
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to learn a little bit about you. That's pretty cool that you are already working for the OU Daily and get to write about things that you really care about! It sounds like you have a lot of interests and keep very busy. I hope that you have a great remainder of the semester and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
Hi Emma! First, finger guns in conversations are essential. Also, Torchy’s queso is amazing so I understand your love for it. I think it really cool how you are a journalist and want to continue that in the future. I don’t consider myself a great writer, but I respect people who are. I hope you are able to achieve your goals and that you have a good rest of the semester.
ReplyDeleteHi Emma! First off, I love Torchy's Queso and finger guns, so I think we would get along fabulously :) second, I just have to say how admirable it is to work in journalism. I worked at the OU Daily for a semester and during that time I learned just how difficult being a journalist really is, so my hat goes off to you for juggling that and classes! It seems like family is very important to you, which is awesome. I'm also very close to my family and I am so thankful to have them close by!
ReplyDeleteEmma, I have to say, I think that you and I would be great friends. One time, I was talking to this cute guy and when I went to say goodbye, I gave him finger guns. While I love finger guns, some conversations just cannot handle them. The entire interaction still haunts me to this day. I am from New York, and I can understand how hard it is to have someone you care about so far away. I'm going home in 13 days, and I cannot wait! I hope that you're having a great semester and that your finals are not stressing you out too much! Good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteHi, Emma! I’m glad that your family is most important to you and I bet you must miss them like crazy sometimes. Congrats on already being a journalist, and I hope that you can continue with this career. It seems to be something you are really passionate about. And hopefully you can find some outdoor activities during your time here in Norman. I'm not an outdoorsy person myself but I can see the appeal. I hope this semester went well for you!
ReplyDeleteHey, Emma, it is awesome that you are a journalist. I spent a little time in Gaylord as a Professional Writing major before I decided that I wanted to go the English route. I appreciate that you write stories that matter rather than just fluff pieces. A good Buzzfeed list is fun every now and then but I think "articles" like that take away from the purpose of journalism. Have a good winter break!
ReplyDeleteHi Emma!
ReplyDeleteIt’s so cool that you work at the OU Daily! I’ve always thought that would be a really fun job to have! I’m so impressed that you now exactly what you want to do and that you are so passionate about it! It’s super nice to be able to get to know you! I’m excited to read more of your writing!
Hello Emma.
ReplyDeleteI would agree that you are a current journalist. I lived in Atlanta for a few years in Buckhead actually. Family is not just who you are related to so I completely agree with you on that. I am glad you have taken interest in the mental health aspect of reporting. So many things go under the radar and if a strong journalist is reporting on it maybe more will pay attention. That might be you someday. Good luck in your career.
Hi Emma!
ReplyDeleteI have some family that lived in Atlanta for several years and they loved it. Well, except for the humidity, but that's everywhere in the south. I admire the goals and aspirations you have for where you'd like to take your journalism career. I think that sometimes important things that need a deeper look get short shrift, because they aren't as exciting as the drama in Washington, or what actor is making out with whom. Good luck on everything in your future.
Hi Emma!
ReplyDeleteIt is so cool that you write and are an editor for the OU daily. My dad was on tv for 30 years in Tulsa so I have been around journalism my whole life. It is a tough occupation with long hours and a lot of work but if thats what you love then by all means go for it! I wouldn't consider myself a very outdoorsy guy at all but I am always open to finding new hobbies and yours seem so cool. Im glad I got to read about you on the last day of the semester.