Writing is a way that I can express and communicate my ideas to those around me. I love dictating my thoughts in clear, concise ways that are easy for people to understand. That is what led me to study communications with an emphasis in journalism at BYU. The world needs information presented in an honest way to help them make the best decisions. I hope to be able to share words that have meaning, value, and influence in the lives of those around me.
The Daily Universe
My experience on the lifestyle desk was incredibly helpful in my journey to discover what kind of future career I want to have. It was very eye-opening for me because I was able to recognize my writing style, the kinds of topics I like, and the areas of journalism that I need to improve in. I feel like I am walking away from this class with a greater understanding of what my strengths are and who I am as a journalist.
For the beat, I covered a variety of topics. Some of the topics that I wrote about were positive psychology, human-computer interaction, the BYU Sandbox program, outdoor camping/national parks, and podcasts. I also wrote about some meaningful experiences that students are having on campus as it relates to their lifestyles. I also did a couple stories that related to certain holidays because they were topics that are on the minds of students.
Some key accomplishments include:
One thing I feel like I accomplished by being on this beat was finding intriguing, interesting topics that other people hadn’t thought of before. I felt like I was able to be very creative with my ideas and find unique ways to gain the interest of readers.
Another accomplishment I am proud of is that I was able to get high-profile sources. I worked hard to get in contact with professionals that people would really be interested in and impressed about. It was exciting for me to talk to them, and I was able to do good networking as well.
I left everything on the table. I felt like I truly gave my all to write high-quality, newsworthy stories. I am excited and proud to add my written pieces to my portfolio because I gave sincere, merited effort into them.
As the public relations representative of the BYU College of Life Sciences, I had the opportunity to cover a story about our greenhouse. My story was published in our Life Sciences Alumni “Impact” Magazine as well as our college website.
For one of my class projects, I had the opportunity to interview Denise Stephens, a professor of astronomy at BYU. I compiled information about her life growing up and her experience of getting to where she is today. Her story is both inspiring and insightful to all those who read it.
I have had the chance to work on several video projects related to my work over the past few years. I have experience interviewing those involved in the video, mapping out the storyline, and editing them to make sure they portray the right message.
Food Science student taste-tests popular BYU creamery ice creams, featuring new “In-Shane-ly Chocolate” flavor
Food science student Abby Frei taste-tests the new “In-Shane-ly Chocolate” ice cream along with other fan favorites including Graham Canyon, Kalani Sitake Road, Lavell’s Vanilla, Blue Goggles, and Earnestly Chocolate.
The new BYU creamery “In-Shane-ly Chocolate'' ice cream has captured the attention of chocolate lovers all over campus. The specially-engineered flavor honors the new BYU president, C. Shane Reese.
The BYU creamery announced that President Reese and his family worked with food science engineers to create the perfect combination of flavors. They decided on an enticing combination of a “Dutch chocolate base, marshmallow swirl, and brownie chunks.”
“In-Shane-ly Chocolate,” as well as many other tasty ice cream flavors, are available at all BYU creamery locations.
Propagating Innovation and Inspired Research - BYU Life Sciences Greenhouse
As part of the writing project mentioned above, I also participated in making a video highlighting some of the exciting changes that are happening in the BYU Life Sciences Greenhouse. I conducted the interview, mapped out which clips to use, and helped edit it down to a short, engaging video to capture people’s attention.
