Journalism is turning away from the traditional print, broadcast and radio writing. Convergence is the new phrase on everyone's lips. Rather than being a journalist, I consider myself a "Wordsmith" who artfully paints a story whatever medium or section appears in. I am cross-trained through print, broadcast, magazine, Internet and public relations writing as a "Wordsmith."
Student Media Experience
Index Newspaper
At Truman's student produced paper, the Index, I work as a reporter and copy editor writing one to two stories weekly. Through copy editing, I thoughtfully read stories to find AP errors and edit understandability.
Detours Travel Magazine
Detours is the student produced travel magazine for which I am a writer and designer. I travel throughout Missouri, Iowa and Illinois writing about travel destinations. Then I design four to six page spreads.
News36 TV Station
Prepared packages for Truman’s student produced weekly news show.Duties include pitching story ideas, interviews, field shooting, writing a script and editing b-roll. I directed and produced a five-minute television show called Leader By eXample in Truman’s state-of-the-art studio.
Academic Experience
Journalism Experience
As part of Truman’s comprehensive Election Day coverage, I served as the photographer for the team covering events from the state capital Jefferson City, as well as from Columbia, Missouri, in which we attended press conferences and parties for local candidates along with interviewing voters at the polls.Public Relations Experience
Projekt Oskar, a student-led initiative to bring a Russian Pop Superstar to Kirksville April 17, 2009, was a project that culminated with a press conference, colloquium and concert. I was responsible for coordinating backup dancers for the concert show by organizing practices, choreography and acting as a liaison between the dancers and The Oskar.
Recently I organized a fundraiser with a partner to help the local Humane Society. I created a sponsorship package, a flyer about the Humane Society and sign up sheets for volunteers. My partner reserved tables, made signs and budgeted the event.
I managed a home for two young men with developmental disabilities. My work included daily paperwork, planning activities and events for the individuals, managing and hiring staff, managing finances, planning meetings, and, most importantly, fostering independence for the individuals. The position required me to be organized, creative, and flexible. I was also required to communicate with several businesses, caseworkers, staff, and family members.
I support two young men with developmental disabilities. Our goal is to help them live as independently as possible. Tasks include cleaning, daily hygiene for the individuals, paperwork, passing medication, and much more to enhance their daily life.
I traveled throughout Missouri during the summer of 2010 to the state parks to gather footage, photos, and interviews to update the parks web site. I used iMovie to edit videos, iPhoto to edit photos and Microsoft to write copy. My work can be found at http://www.mostateparks.com/. I worked on Arrow Rock State Historic Site, Scott Joplin House, Harry S. Truman State Park, Battle of Athens State Historic Site, Boone's Lick State Historic Site, Sappington Cemetery, Iliniwek Village, Thousand Hills State Park and Long Branch State Park.
I researched and wrote about travel destinations in the 50 states. The position lasted for one summer. The web site is http://www.family-vacations.net/. My writing is located under the destinations tab.
A student decorated bike in Columbia, MO.
Missouri governor candidate Kenny Hulshof gives his concession speech
An Obama supporter waves a flag at the watch party for Missouri governor candidate Jay Nixon.
No campaigning within 25 feet tape outside of University of Missouri-Columbia's polling place.
This is an article I wrote about the hardships experienced by the staff at the local animal shelter.
This is one article from a series I wrote about historic homes and buildings in Kirksville, Missouri. This particular story is about a building on Truman's campus.
This is a features story about small businesses on the Kirksville, Missouri square.
This is the sponsorship package I wrote that was sent to Kirksville businesses and campus organizations explaining the fundraiser and asking for donations and sponsorships.
