Author: Kelly

What made you choose journalism at the College of Media? 

I realized I enjoyed opportunities to dive deeply into specific topics whether it was researching global conflicts or exploring complex issues in detail and presenting the information. That curiosity and desire to investigate stories led me to journalism. I saw it as a way to engage with meaningful topics and share them in a more impactful way. Journalism allows me to explore ideas more actively and share them with others.

What has been your favorite journalism class so far, and why?

My favorite class so far has been Journalism 215: Multimedia Reporting. While it’s a required course, I think it’s incredibly valuable because it introduces students to the wide range of skills needed in modern journalism. Before taking the class, I primarily saw myself as a writer. However, JOUR 215 reintroduced me to photography and exposed me to video storytelling, which has since become one of my favorite formats. It helped me realize how essential visual storytelling is in journalism, not just for informing audiences, but for engaging them in the work too. 

The class also gave me the confidence to continue developing those skills, which led me to take more advanced courses like video reporting and storytelling. Additionally, the feedback I received was very practical and reflective of real-world journalism, which made the experience even more meaningful. The course helped me discover what I enjoy most about journalism and the direction I want to pursue. 

What resources within the College of Media have been most helpful to you as a journalism student? 

Through the Media Technology Center and Richmond Studio, students can check out professional-grade cameras, microphones, and other equipment. Access to that equipment and hands-on resources have been incredibly helpful. As someone who initially found the technical side of journalism intimidating, being able to use the tools and connect with knowledgeable staff made a big difference in my work on campus. Being given opportunities to experiment, make mistakes, and learn in a supportive environment has been invaluable. It allows you to build practical skills that are essential in the field, especially when working with multimedia. 

What has your experience been like writing for The Daily Illini? 

My experience with The Daily Illini has been extremely valuable. I write for the Arts & Entertainment section, where I often focus on topics related to sustainability, technology, and innovation on campus. One of the most impactful aspects has been learning how to manage multiple assignments at once. There are days when I’m attending events, conducting interviews, and working on different stories all within a short timeframe. That fast-paced environment has helped me develop stronger organizational skills and adapt to the rhythm of journalism. It has also given me opportunities to expand my multimedia skills, including photography, especially when covering my own stories. It’s been a great way to gain real-world experience and understand the demands of the profession. 

Tell me about your internship experience with Sunugal 24.  

I recently began my internship with Sunugal 24, and it has already been a very insightful experience. Initially, I expected to work at a traditional radio station, but I quickly learned that the organization primarily operates as a digital media platform, focusing on YouTube and social media. This has been especially exciting because I’m very interested in multimedia and social media journalism. I’ve had the opportunity to observe how content is created, analyzed, and distributed, including reviewing audience engagement through analytics and participating in discussions about partnerships and content strategy. 

Additionally, working in a multilingual environment where French and Wolof are primarily spoken has given me a new perspective on journalism in a global context. It has challenged me to adapt and think more critically about how information is communicated across different cultures. The experience has strengthened my understanding of digital media and reinforced my interest in pursuing journalism through social and multimedia platforms. 

What are your plans after graduation? 

I’m particularly interested in pursuing a career in explanatory journalism, especially within multimedia and social media platforms. While I’m still exploring specific opportunities, I’m drawn to organizations that focus on breaking down complex issues and providing meaningful context for audiences. I believe that much of the current mistrust in media stems from a lack of context and depth in reporting. In today’s fast-paced, attention-driven environment, stories are often delivered quickly without fully explaining the broader background. I’m interested in helping address that gap by creating content that not only informs but also provides historical and social context. By doing so, I hope to help audiences better understand complex issues and form more informed perspectives. 

 What advice would you give to College of Media students interested in journalism? 

My biggest piece of advice is to make sure journalism aligns not only with your interests, but also with your personality and working style. It’s one thing to value sharing information, but journalism involves a fast-paced, constantly changing workflow. You need to be comfortable diving deeply into a topic and then moving on quickly to the next story. It also often pushes you outside of your comfort zone. If you enjoy that kind of dynamic environment and are curious about a wide range of topics, journalism can be incredibly rewarding. Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance between your passion for storytelling and the type of work environment that motivates you. 

—Interview by Andrea De La Torre, New Voices Intern 

What led you to your decision to major in journalism at Illinois?

Since high school, I knew I wanted to be in front of the camera and behind the mic. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and connecting with people. Although my high school didn’t offer journalism or broadcasting classes, I took initiative by contributing to the school newspaper and reporting on football games. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what journalism was, but that experience confirmed my interest to pursue journalism as a career path. Choosing journalism at Illinois felt like a natural next step.

During freshman orientation, I toured Richmond Studio and saw firsthand the professional resources available to journalism students. The newsroom and industry-standard equipment reassured me that I would have the opportunity to gain real, hands-on experience early on. Ultimately, Illinois stood out because of the opportunities it offered and the experiences I knew I could gain here.

What journalism course has been the most valuable to you?

The most valuable course I’ve taken is JOUR 340: Video Reporting and Storytelling with senior lecturer Alison Davis. In this class, I developed practical skills in writing, producing, and presenting video content in a way that is both informative and engaging. Overall, the class helped me grow as both a communicator and storyteller. More importantly, the course reinforced my confidence in pursuing journalism as a career.

What has your experience been like in Fighting Illini Productions?

I currently hold a video production internship at Fighting Illini Productions. Through this internship, I’ve gained hands-on experience in television production and had the opportunity to work with the Big Ten Network’s StudentU, where I was able to serve as an analyst for Illinois softball and provide live commentary during games. Through Fighting Illini Productions, I’ve strengthened my skills both on and off camera within my area of interest in sports media production. I also had the opportunity to intern with the Chicago Sky this past summer, which further expanded my professional experience and network.

What are your career goals after graduating from Illinois, and how has the College of Media helped prepare you for them?

After graduating, I plan to continue pursuing a career in sports and entertainment media, ideally in a role that allows me to be on camera and engage directly with audiences. While sports media has always been my primary interest, my experiences in the College of Media have encouraged me to explore other areas of journalism, including science journalism, media law, and business reporting. Opportunities to interview music and entertainment groups helped me realize that my interests extend beyond sports and into the broader entertainment industry. My long-term goal is to work in a role where I can interview celebrities and influential figures, particularly at major events such as award shows.

The College of Media has prepared me for this path by providing hands-on experience in video production, editing, and storytelling. I’ve developed technical skills using Adobe platforms, as well as experience in photography and audio editing. Just as importantly, I’ve grown more confident in my ability to communicate with others and navigate professional environments. Overall, Illinois has played a key role in shaping both my development as a journalist and my growth as an individual. I’m truly so grateful.

What advice do you have for incoming journalism students?

My biggest piece of advice is to enjoy the moment and to not get too caught up in the pressure. It’s easy to become overwhelmed trying to find the perfect story, secure sources, or worry about whether your work will be accepted. It’s important to remember that professors are there to support you, whether helping you find a new angle or reaching out to a source. The College of Media really tries to understand and engage with their students. Because the College of Media is relatively small, students have many opportunities to build relationships with professors and receive one-on-one support. Sometimes all you need to do is take a step back and breathe. Time goes by faster than you think—I can’t believe I’m already a senior preparing to graduate. Make the most out of your undergraduate experience and have fun!

—Interview by Alexa Camacho Villicana, New Voices Intern