1. Where did you do your internship while in MRU Journalism?

Fort Frances Times

2. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have liked to give yourself as you started your internship?

My summer internship in Fort Frances was such a transformational time in my life. I remember feeling like I wanted the opportunity to write a lot of material and have a real sense of ownership over what I was doing. For me, this meant a small town newspaper. To be honest I wouldn't have changed a thing. The owners of the paper, the Cumming Family, took me in. I actually lived with the matriarch (their 90-year-old mother) and to this day I consider them family. I pushed myself to write about topics that felt really unfamiliar to me and worked to sustain a social life (I crashed a wedding to meet friends). I left a more confident, competent reporter and frankly, as a stronger person for having jumped feet first into the unknown! Okay, maybe one thing. I lied in my interview and said I was a runner (because who has time for hobbies in university). When I showed up, my editor had kindly connected me with a running group to make me feel at home. Terribly uncomfortable situation.

3. What is something that really stands out when you think about your time at MRU Journalism?

I had such a wonderful group. I am still really close with many and have had the privilege of working with some of them in the field. I think the shared pressure of a deadline and the nature of working collaboratively on projects pulled us together. Time well spent at our local watering hole sealed the deal. I feel so lucky to have made lifelong friends through the program. Academically, I learned how to sort through information and create a narrative with the community. Finding the tension, bringing people together around a shared cause and advocating for change are still at the core of what I do.

4. How transferrable were the skills you acquired in your education?

I have used what I learned in J-School every day. I went on to pursue a Master of Social Work degree with a focus in Community Development. I have worked in the realms of social policy, strategic planning, grant writing - where the hard skills have been really transferable. However, in my current role I work with folks in a social-emotional learning program. I use interviewing and other creative methods (often photography or writing) to support my participants in re-authoring their story. The story of a person's identity may determine what they think is possible for themselves - I use my journalism toolkit to help groups tell their story and advocate for themselves or others!

5. In your career, what type of work has most excited you, and why?

I love working with people and being a small part of their journey. I think storytelling is so healing and I have found a role that allows me to do that. Though the product might look different than a byline, I am still working hard to foster social inclusion and increase citizen engagement.

6. What is the most important but unwritten rule that you’ve learned on the job?

You can say no. It isn't always going to be easy or without consequence - but if you feel uncomfortable, unsure or overstretched you have the power to say no. Even if you don't, knowing that you could at times feels empowering enough.

7. Who has most inspired you along the way, and why?

Sean Holman! He was the first mentor I ever had - and it is such a privilege to still be in touch. He saw potential in me when I wasn't sure if I had chosen the right path and it sparked a newfound faith in myself. The many friends I made in the program continue to inspire me - it is such a privilege to see everyone's journey unfold!