A BIT ABOUT ME
My passion for journalism and digital marketing dates back to the substantially sizable computer that possessed an entire corner of my pink ballerina playroom in sunny Manhattan Beach, California. It seems as though the minute my father finished our lessons on Windows '98, I was itching to delve farther into the depths of what this computer could reach. After covering the outside hardware in Lisa Frank stickers, I took it upon myself to fully customize the internal software of the computer, making sure each setting reflected every essence of me, down to the highlighted words showing off a flashy 90's purple. (These things I see now as branding before it became popular.)
After the aesthetics of my first "little" computer were satisfactory, it was decided that my first task should be the creation of a lifestyle "magazine." As any self-respecting elementary aged editor-in-chief would, I employed my very best friend who lived down the street, and together, we worked tirelessly on our magazine, ferociously typing and discussing, so as not to miss any of the deadlines of our own making. Once edited to perfection, we distributed our ribbon bound masterpieces around our elementary school in exchange for a quarter, a great eraser, or our favorite gel pens.
Little did I know back then, the characteristics that powered me at an early age would also inspire my adult career.
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It seems crazy to retroactively consider myself a journalist at such a young age, but as I progressed through middle school, high school, then college, journalism (in one form or another) has always stood out as the backbone of my passions and a way to effectively harness my creativity and drive.
Journalism has shaped me into an ambitious self-starter who thrives in fast-paced work environments and works best under pressure, even among last-minute changes and deadlines. My previous roles have conditioned me to think nothing of tight time constraints. I've written news pieces, shot videos, conducted interviews, and edited news stories in a matter of hours. Providing accurate reports, as well as on-time projects, are the sole base of what I do. I have produced and directed entire live new shows, which takes leadership, massive amounts of organization, as well as quick-thinking skills when faced with difficult judgment calls five minutes to airtime. My journalism career has taught me to be efficient, well informed, and ethical.
While journalism has shaped my drive and work habits, finding ways to be creative has remained just as important to me. My media arts degree and social media management roles have allowed me to strengthen my creative side by cultivating me to think outside the box and create original, compelling content. Throughout my career, I've learned to design aesthetically pleasing websites, blogs, graphics, and even an up-and-coming musician's album cover. In my position at WSOC-TV, I completely revamped the station's Instagram and Snapchat, launched its YouTube page, and designed original graphics for social media. At Enventys, I dreamed up entire brands for entrepreneurs' start-up businesses, before they even possessed a physical product. Crafted's emphasis on innovation has inspired me to take outwardly everyday processes and products and make them magnificent. Each company I've worked with has touched me in a unique way and I feel fortunate to carry that with me.
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I've found that the creative within me works incredibly well side by side with the journalist -- taking my ventures to new heights every day. I'm proud to be in a field that brings me so much joy and I hope to continue to explore new adventures along my journey.
Of course, keeping up with my hobbies is what keeps me sane. When I'm not working, I'm passionate about baking, cooking, reading, practicing yoga, photography and exploring new restaurants and experiences from the traditional South to Southern California.