My background:
I’ve always loved reading and writing, although growing up I never thought I would be trying to make a career out of it. But they say university changes you for the better, and developing a passion for storytelling — and discovering the various career paths that accommodate this — is by far the biggest lesson I learnt.
During my time at university, I spent more than three years as a reporter and editor for The Campus newspaper. I established a bi-weekly international page and spent a year and a half as the editor of the Science/International section. I then switched over to features during my senior year. In this position I enjoyed playing with photography and design/layout thanks to the extra space and colour pages.
While at Allegheny, I also spent two years working as a ‘Gator Blogger’ for the Office of Admissions’ website. Here, I enjoyed exercising the freedom blogging allows, and the relief from the strict world of AP Style and news writing. Working as a blogger definitely inspired me to start Wilby’s World and I’m glad I did. If nothing else, I love having these documented mementos of my life.
Post graduation I found myself at the unique Chautauqua Institution working as the development beat reporter. As my work-study job at Allegheny had been as an office assistant in the Office of Alumni Affairs and Development, I felt perfectly comfortable working with the Chautauqua Foundation and the world around it. This summer is when I feel I really came into my own. The environment at The Chautauquan Daily is conducive to nothing but excellence, and I saw visible, drastic improvements to my writing during this period. Most importantly, I fell back in love with writing (whole article about this here) which led to me applying, and accepting my current job.
Writing portfolios
DEVELOPMENT BEAT REPORTER
The Chautauquan Daily, Chautauqua Institution | June – August 2017
Suggestions:
Jim and Kathy Pender sponsor Rhythmic Circus in honor of their late son Michael
Chautauqua’s Old First Night gets reimagined
Susan Goldberg, Richard Tofel, Lauren Rich Fine and Terrance Egger to discuss how ownership in journalism is changing
EDITOR, REPORTER
The Campus, Allegheny College | September 2014 – May 2017
Suggestions:
World unites for Paris: Allegheny feels effects of terrorist attacks
Monks’ visit to campus upsets Chinese students due to political associations
Teaching assistant faces chaos in home country Yemen while abroad
COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT
Office of Admissions, Allegheny College | August 2014 – May 2016
Suggestions:
The Curse of November?
Sharing Schoolwork: Something Different
Finals Basketball
Design work
Photography
