MY STORIES:

• Utah women enroll in college despite economy
• Utah women have high workforce participation
• Utah women combat domestic violence
• Hair today isn’t necessarily gone tomorrow for Utah women

MY BLOG:

Utah’s economy? I was less than thrilled this would be the topic we would cover for the entire semester. When I first thought of the word “economy,” my mind automatically went from “business” to “money” and landed on “boring.” How on earth would I ever be able to write four stories about something I had no interest in and knew nothing about?

It wasn’t until Keriann led us in a group brainstorming session that I realized how rich of a topic it really was. We listed all the different aspects of life that the economy affects, and I began to see how pervasive of an issue it is. As is evident by the beats covered by my classmates, the economy influences everything from music and community sports to university students and sustainability. I suddenly began to see the human side of the economy behind the dismal numbers.

Even within my beat of women, the economy’s omnipresence is felt on multiple levels including education, employment, domestic abuse and the beauty industry.

This beat opened my eyes to the fact that Utah women are not sitting around helplessly letting the down economy take over — they are proactively taking matters in their own hands and doing something about the situation. Whether they are returning to school or taking on a second job, women are finding ways to rise above the struggle and do their best to create a better life for themselves and their families.

I was able to hear many inspiring stories as I looked through the lens of women in the economy. Each of my sources graciously allowed me a glimpse into their lives, and I wish I could have included in my stories all that these amazing women shared. I am grateful for the opportunity to interact with these compelling and strong women who added a much-needed human element to the topic of the economy.

This experience stretched and challenged me, which I believe has ultimately made me a better journalist. I learned to ask the hard questions and put myself out there because the worst I can get is a, “No.” Most importantly, my journalistic belief that everyone has a story to tell has been solidified. Whenever I get a story assignment from now on I will remember there is always a compelling story to be found, even in the “boring” topics.

ABOUT ME:

I will always remember the day I decided to be a journalist.

I was on a tour of the Deseret News building my junior year of high school. I remember listening to the journalists’ phone conversations and looking over the shoulders of the page designers — I was immediately fascinated. But what really hooked me was when I opened the paper the next day and saw what they had been working on, tangible, on the pages in my hand.

This experience has led me to the University of Utah, where I am pursuing a degree in mass communication with an emphasis in journalism and a minor in arts and technology. I am currently a junior and hope to graduate in spring 2012.

My journalistic philosophy is everyone has a story to tell. No matter who person is and where he or she comes from, everyone has an experience, if not multiple, that can interest others. As a journalist, I want to make it my job to find those stories somewhere beneath the surface.

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MY STORIES:

• Utah Domestic Violence Council aims to help Asian American women
• The birth of the Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce
• Ogden’s Japantown disappears
• Taiko, the heartbeat of Japan

MY BLOG:

The chosen beat for our class was the Asian American community. To be quite frank, I never had much interest in the countries that comprise Asia or even local communities. I lived in Germany and traveled Europe. I speak German. I never thought much about becoming involved with the local Asian community.

I was wrong. I found my mind flourished with ideas, thoughts and stories. But, I had to figure out how to visually adapt those thoughts. The local Asian American community is rich in culture, resonating beauty through sound, color, language and more —something I never knew until I worked on my Kenshin Taiko piece.

I knew I wanted to capture the beauty of the drum. I needed close-ups, close enough to reveal the marks on the stretched skin, the marks left by bachis from the drummers. Those marks represent a “communing” between the drum and the drummer, said Matthew Stevens, a Kenshin Taiko member, during an interview.

I filmed Kenshin Taiko during a practice and then I attended a performance at Utah Valley University. I was extremely close during the filming at the practice. I could feel the beating of the drum through my whole body. I wanted the audience to experience that feeling as well. I kept the camera close to the drums to give the feeling of being right there. The drummers played with such passion and feeling, allowing their bodies to be one with the motion.

The one aspect I avoided was the writing. I am a visual artist. I see everything being created as film or a photograph. I see life, news and the future as though I am looking through a lens. It was an extremely challenging task to write about Kenshin Taiko. My epiphany came when I realized this article ended up being the hardest yet most gratifying to complete. The reason, I think, I was simultaneously creating the art on paper and the art in film. Working on these two projects simultaneously allowed me to view them together and also use one to work off the other. I would constantly roll the footage in my head — the drumming, interviews, costumes, lighting — and this helped me successfully write my piece.

Aside from being a field camera operator in the news, documentaries have always interested me. The addition of my writing classes to my media and film classes has helped me reach a whole new level of confidence. I have been able to successfully bring my profession of news media and print full circle. I feel more empowered to make decisions, appropriately narrow my ideas, conduct interviews professionally and carry myself with the assurance and determination needed to become a successful documentarian and journalist.

ABOUT ME:

I originally started my college career as a film student. I obtained a Film Production Technician from Salt Lake Community College. After stumbling into the broadcast world, my career choice suddenly changed.

I decided to transfer to the University of Utah and begin my quest for a bachelor of arts in journalism and a minor in documentary studies.

I’ve been working for a local television station for roughly three years. My end goal for a job is to be a field photographer. My passion is capturing footage, editing and delivering the final piece to the news director to air. It’s an amazing feeling to see your work displayed.

I have a dog named Thor and a cat named Sox.

I currently have a full-time job and am attending school full time. Being this busy has its difficult moments, but it pales in comparison to the extraordinary feeling of accomplishment.

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MY STORIES:

• Catholic Community Services helps refugees in Utah
• Eunice Jones: hard work changes life from rags to riches
• Chinese New Year celebrations in Utah bring out many family traditions
• Master Lu’s Health Center: Northern-style Kung Fu and Old Yang-style Tai Chi

MY BLOG:

When Professor Mangun told our class we would be covering the Asian- American beat for the entire semester, I was more than a little worried. I had no ties to the Asian-American community in Salt Lake City and realized very quickly that this semester was going to be a lot of hard work.

At the beginning of the semester it was hard to think of story ideas to look into within the Asian-American community. But as I got more familiar with the community, the stories were easier to come by. However, executing these story ideas often became more and more difficult. I quickly learned that journalists are really at the mercy of their sources, often leading me to have to come up with a plan B. I also learned that almost everyone has a story they would like to share, if only given the chance to do so. I have met several amazing people whose life stories will stay with me forever. Their strong, optimistic attitudes have inspired me to try looking for the positive view even when the situation displays none.

I learned a lot about Salt Lake City’s Asian-American community from covering this beat. I learned that it is a very strong community that is stitched together by different organizations, offices and strong leaders. I also learned about different nonprofit organizations that help Asian refugees and their families once they move to Salt Lake City.

Although this semester was a lot of work, I am happy that I got the chance to go outside my comfort zone and learn from people I would not have met otherwise.

ABOUT ME:

I am a sophomore at the University of Utah, expecting to graduate Spring 2013 with a degree in mass communication with a focus in journalism. I have always enjoyed reading books and newspapers, which led me in my choice to study journalism for an undergraduate degree. I hope to one day have a job that deals with law, maybe by covering law in a beat or becoming a lawyer.

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MY STORIES:

• Bullying, stereotyping must give way to acceptance, say Asian-American women of Utah
• Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce looking to expand scholarship program
• Gay minorities in Utah can face double discrimination
• Chinese-language classes in Utah schools gaining popularity

MY BLOG: The returning student

Going back to school as an older student, I’ve brought with me years and years of life experiences. However, this doesn’t mean that I know everything; quite the contrary. I’ve met so many students and professors who have left their mark on me and I will continue to use what I’ve learned from them in my everyday life. As soon as one closes the mind, all opportunities and possibilities disappear.

Digging into the Asian-American beat has led me to meet very fascinating Utahns. After reflecting on the various people I have spoken with, one word comes to my mind to describe all of them: courage.

It takes a huge amount of courage to leave your family behind and travel to a new country. It takes courage to stand up for yourself in the face of discrimination. It takes courage to change careers and to follow your dream, even if it means starting all over. Finally, it takes courage to admit to yourself and others that to be slightly different from society’s “norm” is OK.

If we can each stand up and be counted as responsible members of our community and end bullying, we have then accomplished a gigantic feat. Thanks to the people with whom I’ve met and the tireless commitment they’ve made,  the movement has already begun and it is gaining momentum.

When this semester began, I felt anxious about jumping into the beat and into writing practically full-time about something so unfamiliar to me. But now, as the class is coming to an end, I find myself wishing for more time. More time to expand on my stories, more time to explore my beat further and more time to concentrate on the “magical” aspects of writing. I’ve discovered that certain places will produce certain moods for my writing. I’ve also realized that I do most of my best work after midnight. I am indeed a nocturnal person. Also, I’ve found that to open my own self up and let my personality flow into my writing is just what I’ve needed to grow as a writer.

As a writer I will continue to produce truthful stories in order to educate, and to draw out just enough emotion to prompt the reader into taking action. After all, a community is only as good as the citizens who support it. Talk is cheap and action speaks volumes. It is our civic duty to become involved – even if it’s just one step at a time.

ABOUT ME:

I will aways remember my mother’s words when I first decided to return to the U: “You can be everything you want, just not all at the same time.”

I’ve been a mother, a full-time employee, a supportive wife and a homemaker. Now, I am an empty nester who is searching for a new adventure in the next stage of my life. My husband, Doug, and I enjoy traveling, and I am looking forward to doing just that now that I’ll be graduating soon. I love the outdoors and can’t wait to explore more of it with both of my four-legged best friends, Koty and Bella. Family is very important to me so I plan to still extend my shoulder as far as I can for them whenever they need it.

I am grateful for a supportive family who has helped me keep my nerves intact when I was feeling like checking myself into a mental hospital. My children’s hugs mean more to me than a month at the most exclusive spa. My husband is a rock and I admire his patience for me while I’ve been on this physically exhausting yet exciting journey. Soon it will be time to play. Then I will take time to look for work using all I have learned at the U, especially in this class.  Thank you to all.

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MY STORIES:

• Nepalis work hard to keep their culture alive in Utah
• Former Miss Asia Utah says pageantry is more than beauty
• Proud to be a Vietnamese nail technician
• TOP member says he will be a gangster for life

MY BLOG:

As a journalist I believe that everyone has a story. This semester has only validated this notion. Everyday people here in Utah have tales that seem so distant to our conservative communities. Covering the Asian-American beat has shown me how diverse Utah really is. We have neighborhoods throughout Utah that most people don’t even know exist.

For example, the article I wrote on gangs. How many residents in Utah know that just in Salt Lake there are around 3,000 documented gang members? And that among those members are some gangs designated just for Asian kids? I was shocked to discover this information. To speak with someone who is involved in this lifestyle was a wake-up call. Utah has a mixture of all types of people. People whose stories need to be told. Our public has no idea of the struggle that most Utahns face. Especially the struggle that new Utahns face.

During this beat I have become more aware of the social injustice between races. Not only do different races feel inferior to each other but I have learned that within the Asian community there is pride and competition between the different ethnicities.

We had two incredible women come and speak to our class. To see someone of their success and hear of their stories is inspiring. It proved to me that not every story of success is an easy one. These Asian-American women came from difficult circumstances. Now they are two publicly recognized women who have reached the top. I have found that the cliché statement of “you can’t judge a book by its cover” is simply true.

That’s why as a new reporter I have learned to keep my eyes open to all communities and walks of life. Media have a responsibility to cover stories of all backgrounds. Because just around the corner could be a life-changing story that someone needs to tell and the public would love to hear.

ABOUT ME:

I am currently 21 and a senior at the University of Utah. I will graduate in Spring 2011 with a degree in mass communication with an emphasis in journalism and a minor in political science. My goal is to become a field reporter for a TV news station. Curiousity drives my life. Whether it’s interviewing someone for a story or talking to a personal friend, I ask a lot of questions. I am passionate about my career choice and feel that, if used wisely, journalism is a very powerful tool. I am a lover of football, especially Utah football. I enjoy dancing, jogging outside and rock climbing. I love to connect with nature and feel water running between my toes. I spent the past summer in Germany and traveled through Northern Europe. I was lucky enough to see many beautiful and historic places. My family is very important to me and from them I learned the influence of communication. I believe that just by listening to someone’s story you can help improve their life and you might just be surprised at what they can offer you. I am interning at KUTV 2News right now and am learning the tricks of the trade. Also, I am currently on the U’s news broadcast, Newsbreak. I am excited for my future and hope this won’t be the last you’ll hear from this reporter.

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Photo by Tauna Lynne Price

• The bridge between authority and leadership
• Eunice Jones: ‘More than a Realtor’
• Yellowfinn and The Flying Sumo making waves in Utah’s sushi market
• Luxury and relaxation at The Kura Door Holistic Japanese Spa

MY BLOG:

I have never taken my major, mass communication/journalism, seriously — until now. I picked communication because I wanted to write; I love to write. The feeling I get when my pen meets the paper for the initial takeoff, to the final period at the end of a story, is magical, and for me the whole experience is stress-relieving and makes me feel powerful.

With the sole purpose of pleasing my family, I have been furthering my education by attending the University of Utah. My family wanted me to experience college life. I do not blame them; it is an experience worth taking and I see that now. This class and this beat have made me realize my true passion. I felt right at home interviewing sushi chefs at Yellowfinn and The Flying Sumo, and I didn’t want to stop talking with the staff at The Kura Door, who were always making certain that I was comfortable.

I am now taking things more seriously. I have always loved talking with people, so that was never a challenge. I think my biggest challenges were figuring out how to get started with a story and deciding which direction to go with it. Professor Mangun has been there for me from the very beginning. If ever I had a question I would get almost an immediate response.

Honestly, I did not take my first two stories as seriously as I would have hoped because my epiphany did not occur until I was putting together my enterprise memo. It was at that moment that I realized I could write what I wanted to write and I could publish it for the world to see. No longer was my work personal; I could share it with the world. What a great profession journalism is: I’ve been able to share my experiences with an audience who is intrigued by the idea that I wrote on their favorite sushi restaurant or I wrote about a day spa that sounds soothing to the mind and body.

My favorite quote in high school was, “Things don’t have to be beautiful to be extraordinary. The ordinary can be just as beautiful.” Josh Hartnett said this in the movie, “Wicker Park.” It means so much more to me now than it ever did. I want my readers to experience the extraordinary through something most people would see as average and ordinary. I want to give a new perspective and a vision to people who struggle with envisioning beauty.

ABOUT ME:

At 22 years old, I am in my final semesters at the University of Utah, majoring in mass communication with an emphasis in journalism. My passions are writing, dancing and photography. Ever since I was a little girl I have always loved all of these things.

I currently work at Olympus Gymnastics as the dance coach and I am hoping to start up some freelance writing by next year, potentially to get a job with Travel and Leisure Magazine. I am also pondering taking some French classes and traveling to France as soon as I graduate (at this rate it may take 10 years, only joking of course). My next big investment, other than my time, will be to get a better digital camera. I would like one with interchangeable lenses; currently, I am looking into the Sony α NEX-5.

The true love of my life is my dog Kedo. He is a Siberian husky with one blue eye and one brown. My goal is to be able to have him travel the world with me, as I write and take photographs of different hotels, food and spas around the world.

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Photo courtesy of Anna Borgman.

• Southeast Supermarket – helping to maintain culture and diversify Utah
• Educating the community about Filipino culture through dance
• Kyoto Japanese Restaurant — bringing Japan to Utah
• Salt Lake Buddhist Temple — more than just a building

MY BLOG:

Sitting in this class for the first time, I was less than enthusiastic. I remember reading through the syllabus and getting that sudden overwhelming feeling that this semester was going to be miserable. The amount of writing to be done was expected, but I assumed it would be on the topic of my choice. When I found the entire semester would be focused on the Asian community in Salt Lake City, all I could think of is I don’t even know someone who is Asian. After all, it is Utah, seemingly the whitest state I’ve ever been to. Like any large city, I knew there was diversity here – I just had to go find it.

After our first in-class interview with Dr. Linda Oda I came to the realization that this semester would not only be educational, but extremely rewarding. When given the opportunity to write on any topic, I almost always pick something I’m familiar with. The writing is easy, but at the end of the process I’ve learned nearly nothing.  With a new motivation to develop as a writer and a member of this community, I became excited about getting into the reporting and writing process.

The outcome is what I had expected, and a little more. I feel like I learned life lessons about the writing process, managing my time, contacting sources and putting it all into a published article. But, more importantly, I feel more knowledgeable and conscious about our community. I’ve experienced different foods, customs, languages and traditions. I am more aware of what is around me, and know now that Salt Lake City is more eclectic that I ever thought.

ABOUT ME:

I am in my final semester at the University of Utah and will be graduating with a B.S. in speech communication. It’s been four and a half years, and the finish line is so close. Like many college students, my time in school was full of ups and downs, fun classes and boring lectures and concern about whether it’ll all be worth it. It wasn’t until the end of my sophomore year that I knew what I wanted to do.

After finishing nearly all of my general courses, I took COMM 1010, Elements of Public Speaking, just to fill a gap in my schedule. Little did I know, that class would decide my academic future for me. I had never thought about the process of communication so closely. I became hungry to learn more. From there I started taking any communication class that looked interesting. My classes went from being a chore, to something I was truly excited about.

I don’t know what career I want to pursue after school, and truthfully, I’m not too worried about it. I’ll probably just ski for a few years until something comes my way and completely opens my mind, just like COMM 1010 did.

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MY STORIES:

• Coffee Shop in Salt Lake City’s Little America Hotel strives for authenticity with Asian cuisines
• Miss Utah USA’s first minority beauty queen aims for the best in life
• Salt Lake City’s Lượm Làm tries to forget her tough past
• Pending Chinatown in South Salt Lake anticipates fall 2011 grand opening

MY BLOG:

As an Asian American myself, the stories on the Asian community that were covered were especially meaningful to me. At first it almost felt awkward to be reporting on a community that’s so close to me. But I was quickly reminded that my reporting on the Asian community would be just as if a white journalist were to report on the white community – there isn’t anything awkward about it.

I’ve always been aware of my minority status, but in a good way. I don’t lower my self-esteem and goals in life because I’m a minority in a majority group. Quite the opposite. I take great pride in my ethnicity and culture; I feel honored to be representing the Asian community in all that I do. And this journalism experience is no different. I’m excited to say that I’ve learned a great amount about my own culture through this experience.

A big challenge that I faced while investigating and reporting on the Asian beat was the desire to separate myself from my stories. If readers couldn’t figure out my ethnicity from the byline, I didn’t want them to figure it out in the stories – I didn’t want to come across as biased. As an Asian American journalist, covering stories on the Asian community is still new to me. I love being able to explore my culture doing something I love, journalism, but at the same time, I certainly didn’t want to come across as an Asian journalist who took advantage of her ethnicity to find stories and track sources.

Somewhere along the way, I had to give in and realize that I was indeed an Asian American journalist reporting on the Asian American community. I guess, in a way, being Asian American helped me gather more ideas for stories. I decided to report on stories that would be interesting to both the Asian and non-Asian community.

All of the stories I reported on for this beat were amazingly interesting topics to myself, and, I think, for others as well. I believe that in order to write an interesting piece, the writer should be interested first. I’ve learned that if I show interest in a story, sources are more likely to open up to me.

My stories ranged from foods to beauty pageants, to a feature on an incredible woman, to a community project that had been put on hold due to the recession. As a journalist, I believe story ideas can be found in almost anything, anywhere, from anyone – it just takes a little digging to get to the part that matters, but it’s there.

If I had to describe in one word what I took from my experience with Voices of Utah, it would be “perseverance.” The dictionary defines it as “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.” It’s true. To be a great journalist takes a world’s amount of perseverance. I’m going to hit walls; I’m going to rush to make deadlines; I’m going to want to keep going; I’m going to continue to want to make a difference; I’m going to meet people who’ll put me down; I’m going to reach dead ends – but I will also find my way back to the beginning and try again.

I’m NOT going to stop doing what I love, which is writing, because I have perseverance.

ABOUT ME:

I’m currently in my third year at the University of Utah, majoring in mass communication and minoring in arts technology. Medical school used to be my life goal. But, somewhere along the way, I discovered that although the medical field still fascinates me, I couldn’t pursue a career that would keep me locked inside a clinic or hospital surrounded by germs. If I were to be contaminated by germs, I would rather get it while traveling the world, reporting and capturing my adventures.

My dream job would allow me to travel the world, exploring what I have yet to see. But rounding it up, I’m just a singer and dancer who fell in love with photography and journalism.

I believe fine arts can brighten someone’s day, and that all people have good morals and ethics – it’s up to the individual if they want to carry it out or not.

The photos I take, I hope, will make you feel something, anything. The writings I do, I hope, will educate and inspire you to be the person you want to be. Sometimes the decision to be a good person is tough, but it doesn’t mean it can’t be done.

I have many dreams and choices I have yet to discover and unlock; many doors I have yet to open. But once I do, I know things will be good. I know my path in life and I’m thankful for those who are by me every step of the way. I have goals and dreams that I’m aiming for, and I’m having the time of my life trying to make them come within reach.

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Photo by Jesse Michael Nix

MY STORIES:

• Utah Domestic Violence Council aims to aid members of Asian community affected by abuse
• American dream true for Utah woman who went from poverty to community leader
• Utah dance groups teach younger generations about their Filipino heritage
• Being Muslim in Utah

MY BLOG:

I was terrified to take this class. I was insecure about a lot of things: my writing abilities, my creativity, but most of all my ability to conduct an interview. The idea of sitting with someone and talking didn’t bother me until it was put into a setting where I needed something from them. I thought talking would become a job, not a natural flow of ideas. However, this class has changed my mind about interviews. After being eased into interviewing by conducting a couple as a class, I became less nervous about doing it on my own. By the time my third story came around I was comfortable calling my sources and asking them questions about their lives. I discovered that most people don’t mind talking as long as I provided a good listening ear. This small revelation has helped me profoundly. Before this class I wasn’t sure I would do well as a journalist. Without interviews I wouldn’t have anything to write about. Now I’m confident that if there’s a story, I can get it. It’s a little like finding hidden treasure. Once you have the map, all you need to do is dig.

Another thing that I figured out through this class was the importance of stretching beyond my own community. Because we explored the Asian beat, I was exposed to a part of Utah that I hadn’t connected with before. I learned about Filipino dance, Asian businesses and community leaders, domestic violence in the Asian community, and many other world expanding ideas. It’s easy to become fully immersed in one part of the world, while completely forgetting another. Through this class, I realized that there is much to learn beyond what I already know if I look for it. Now I’m more interested in minority affairs in Utah and throughout the world.

ABOUT ME:

Dana Igo is a senior at the University of Utah. She plans to graduate in December 2010 with a bachelor of science in news writing and a minor in creative writing. She has worked for various publications, both print and online, including Catalyst Magazine and the University of Utah’s Lessons Magazine. She is currently applying to graduate schools to pursue a master’s degree in journalism. Aside from writing, Dana also aspires to be a photojournalist and tries to take photos every day.

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MY STORIES:

• Pacific Citizen surviving times of declining traditional media
• Affirmative action is debated in Utah 2010 general session
• Utah Krishna Temple holds annual Festival of Colors
• U student dreams of becoming a filmmaker

MY BLOG:

Following a specific beat has helped me understand what I will be doing as a journalist for most likely the entirety of my career. I realize that I will need a specialty, since it is no secret that the general “everyman” reporter is a dime a dozen and has trouble getting jobs in the media business. I need to have a skill and/or field of expertise to make me stand out in the job market.

Covering the Asian beat has made me think more about diversity and made me realize that everyone isn’t fighting the same fight. As someone coming from a Mexican and South American heritage, how I look at diversity, discrimination, social classes, etc. is completely different than from how someone with an Asian background sees these things.

Other things I’ve learned while covering this beat is that Asian stereotypes seem to be more acceptable in society than most other racial stereotypes. I’ve noticed this while watching television and the movies. A typical portrayal of an Asian person in popular culture usually incorporates: martial arts, excellence in math, long ponytails, buckteeth, slanted eyes, ridiculous accents, and ninja/samurais. It is more common to see these, than say, stereotypical images of a black man eating fried chicken and watermelon, or a lazy Mexican napping under a sombrero. Those examples you may see in edgy comedy, but are generally unacceptable; however, I see the stereotypical Asian in just about every form of media.

I’ve also realized that there are some people who don’t believe that there is a battle to fight, regardless of their ethnic background. They believe that the battle has already been won and we are a completely diversified, “color-blind,” society. Although I don’t fully agree with them, I find it very interesting. Roger Tsai from the Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce asked me, “Is it really a good thing to be color-blind?”

ABOUT ME:

I was born to be a writer. At least that’s what my aunt once told me when I showed her my latest homemade comic book when I was 6. The comic was about a witty hero, Ricky Raccoon, and his friends and how they would stop his evil brother, Robo Raccoon, from taking over the forest. Somehow I’ve always known that writing was in my future. Even when my mind wandered to other things like being a professional wrestler, being a paleontologist (dinosaur hunter), or a detective, it all came back to writing.

I was born in West Jordan, a suburb of Salt Lake City. I grew up with a huge imagination thanks to the tons of books and comics my parents supplied me with. It was around the beginning of middle school that I turned my full attention to writing again, and I wrote short stories for the school magazine.  One was a Harry Potter fan fiction, another was about a desperado in the old west, and another was about a group of teenagers escaping a shadowy figure in an old factory.

Upon entering Alta High School, I didn’t really know what to do as a career. It was by accident I ended up on my high school’s yearbook staff. Gathering up facts and telling a story from them was fun to me, and the next year my teacher suggested I join the newspaper staff. To this day, some of my favorite stories were published in that paper, which incidentally won an award for best school newspaper of the state. Ironically, sports section was my least favorite beat to cover, but I won an award for an article about our girl’s soccer team winning state.

I am currently a student at the University of Utah, majoring in mass communication. I am also writing for the Daily Utah Chronicle as a part-time news writer. It’s a fun job and is introducing me to the field.

Experts talk about the decline of traditional media, and they talk about the difficulty of getting a job in this industry. I have been told that I am making a mistake by going into a field that is slowly going down the drain. Even those close to me have questioned my decision, but I do believe I have a future in writing; writing for a newspaper wether it is paper or online, writing fiction novels, or even about a witty raccoon and friends trying to save the world.

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