Professional Essay

I’ve always been a writer. As a teenager I kept many journals and would write poetry and descriptive stories about my life. Through a rocky adolescence my writing shifted from angsty emotions to a general curiosity as I became more inclined to write about the world around me. While studying was never easy for me, through the course of school writing served as a therapeutic tool carrying me through many years of growing pains and heartache.

As a kid I felt a deep empathy towards people and animals in need. As an adult those tendencies have remained and have since evolved into an interest in journalism and ways to minimize harm.
I now have the power to not only educate myself but to turn my words into valuable information that could potentially shift someone’s life and the ways in which they view themselves and the world.

That’s the beautiful thing about journalism, the opportunity to connect and in some cases the opportunity to advocate for others. That to me is the most inspiring notion; the idea that as a writer I can form unique bonds and relationships with my subjects while continuously learning and growing as an individual as well as a professional.

Though my experience in the field of journalism is limited, MSU Denver has provided valuable opportunities that have added to my development as a young journalist.

I have been a writer and photographer for the school newspaper, the Metropolitan for the past 10 months and was recently brought on as features editor in the fall of 2021. Working for the paper has allowed for real life experience with hard working and talented individuals. My recent internship with American Red Cross as a public affair storyteller has expanded my experience and solidified my desire to work with humanitarian organizations.

With interviewing and listening to peoples stories my passion for human connection has grown and motivated me to continue my education.

If accepted to Columbia I hope to focus on strengthening both my journalistic writing skills as well as those that would aide my goal of becoming an author.

With a passion for working with social minority groups I hope to collaborate with organizations and establishments that allow me to help others. I believe that as a nontraditional student my life experiences will help me progress as a journalist, particularly in subjects surrounding poverty, addiction and mental health. My goal is to be a voice for the voiceless and an advocate for those in need, producing pieces that will perpetuate a more compassionate world.

In working with my peers and professors I hope to gain a better sense of self and that which motivates me. Ideally my time at Columbia will foster lifelong relationships that will lead to invaluable experiences throughout my career.

Once graduated I plan to pursue a career in journalism with a publication that supports creative individualism and encourages diverse opinions. While working as a journalist I plan to write an autobiography, explore fiction novel writing and perhaps later in life become a certified life coach with an online business that focuses on mental health.