Canton, Georgia

Journalism, Spring 2017

Why did you choose UF and the College  of Journalism and Communications?

After my sophomore and junior years in high school, I attended UF’s Summer Journalism Institute (now just the Summer Institute), a workshop for high school students interested in journalism. As soon as I stepped foot inside Weimer Hall for the first lecture, I fell in love with the college. The professors were absolutely incredible and motivating figures for the 17-year-old version of myself. From there, I knew that UF was the place for me.

Do you have a memorable experience/opportunity from your time in the CJC?

I don’t necessarily have one overarching moment that stands out from my time in the college. Rather, it’s the culmination of everything that I’ve been able to experience while at UF and in the journalism college. Over the last three years, I’ve built incredible relationships with some of my professors, had the opportunity to cover some of the top college athletic programs in the country and networked with some of the best in the business. I wouldn’t trade any of that for the world.

What is the best class you’ve taken in the CJC and why?

I have two. In terms of the class in which I learned the most, it was Mike Foley’s reporting class. The make-or-break class in the journalism curriculum, reporting made me a better journalist. I learned the proper rules of writing a news article and enhanced my writing immensely. And once I learned the rules, I learned how to break them, putting my own spin on them and creating my own writing style. In terms of the overall experience, Professor Ted Spiker’s Sports Media and Society wins by a mile. Spiker is an incredible lecturer and even in a class with upwards of 200 students, he still manages to find ways to individualize the lectures and keep the auditorium energized. The guest speakers he brings in — whether in person or via Skype/FaceTime — all bring different dynamics to the class, and the Tweet of the Week contest gets rowdy every year (p.s. #SportsMediaUF Class of 2014 is still the best).

Have you had any experiences outside of the classroom (internships, covering a certain sporting event, etc.)? If so, tell us more.

I have been covering UF athletics as a reporter and photographer since my freshman year. At first, it was just with The Alligator. But over the last two years, I have been working as a sports correspondent for the Orlando Sentinel and have had the opportunity to freelance for the Associated Press on occasion. This summer, I’m heading off to a 10-week internship at The Miami Herald. The real-life job experience is second-to-none. One of the sayings that’s heard throughout the college is that 90 percent of what you learn about journalism comes from outside the classroom. I’ll gladly echo that sentiment. As great as the classes have been in the college, you will learn so much more by actually applying it outside the classroom.

Are you in involved anything in the CJC or within the University of Florida (Gatorvision? ESPN 850? AWSM? The Alligator? UAA?)? How has it benefited you?

I have worked at The Independent Florida Alligator as both a sports writer and photographer since my freshman year and plan to stay with the paper until I graduate. Working at the Alligator gave me my first true exposure to sports reporting. It was my chance to grow, both as a writer and as a person. I rose through the ranks and became the paper’s sports editor as a sophomore, editor-in-chief that summer before my junior year and managing/online editor during my junior year. Regardless of the position, though, working at the Alligator showed me that there’s always room to grow. Every time after I wrote what I thought was my best piece early on, my editor would always tell me “OK, what’s next?” That fueled me. That made me look at myself and say “OK, I’m a good writer. How can I get better?” I still have that mentality today and will continue to use that mentality as long as I’m in this field.

What are your hopes, dreams, or plans after graduation? How has the CJC prepared you for your goals?

My ultimate goal is to be a sports reporter covering Major League Baseball, but honestly, having any job in this profession would be a dream come true. I love telling people’s stories and that’s not just limited to sports.

Do you have any advice for incoming students or those interested in the CJC, especially in regard to starting their sports careers?

My biggest piece of advice to incoming students to the college interested in sports would be to jump right in. Apply to the Alligator. Work for ESPN 850. Whatever piques your interest, get involved as soon and work as hard as you can toward your goals. No opportunity is too small to prove yourself to a potential employer.