DF
Beyond the byline
I have always been a curious person. From exploring the cold Minnesota woods behind my house in kindergarten to backpacking on the Appalachian Trail and traveling abroad for the first time, I've consistently had a desire to seek out the lesser known places in the world, its darkest corners, its unconceivable beauty, its diverse peoples and its untold stories.
And for the past few years, that's exactly what I've been doing.
As a student journalist, I've been granted more insight into the world than I had ever thought possible before. I've interviewed everyone from high-ranking public officials to everday citizens. I've reported on historic events like the Supreme Court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage — all because I'm designated as a guardian of free speech.
For me, journalism is more than a profession — it's a lifestyle. It's not about the bylines. It's about going out into the world and telling meaningful stories about people, afterward making them available to diverse audiences in creative, compelling and innovative ways. That's what I've done so far and what I hope to do in the future.