In covering the impact a character trait based program had on my school, I engaged in an extensive interview with the founders of the nationally recognized Positivity Project. While it was challenging to make sure everything was factually accurate in the article, I felt like I had built a personal relationship with those that I interviewed for many weeks. The article was featured throughout social media and the blog of the Positivity Project, along with being awarded first place in the MIPA Informative Feature category. The experience taught me that journalism can build lasting, emotional bonds with everyone you interview.
Writing
"Life of Lamanzer"
In my personality profile, "Life of Lamanzer," I learned how to interview someone and integrate quotes into a meaningful article. The interview lasted over an hour, with culturally-based conversations about upbringing and ethnicity. The article was enough to make the subject of the article, Lamanzer Williams’ mother cry. The article is my most emotional piece I have written thus far, and was awarded second place in the MIPA Personality Profile category.
"#OtherPeopleMatter"
"Shortage of Substitutes"
In my article, "Shortage of Substitutes," I was able to investigate on an issue affecting my community and state. Communicating and interviewing knowledgeable people in the field better developed me as a student journalist. In addition to my publication, the article was published in our city magazine, Grand Blanc Living.