From my first tentative steps behind a camera to the moment I mixed my own audio levels for a podcast, each story I've undertaken has shown me that journalism lives where technology meets human connection. Over the last year, I immersed myself in more areas of storytelling than I ever have on my entire time on the publication. I published my first video, podcast, and photo gallery this year, my favorites of which have been included in this portfolio. Each one taught me anew how combining sound, motion, still frames, and words can create a richer, more empathetic story.
Similarly, serving on the MediaWise Teen Fact-Checking Network sharpened my understanding of digital media literacy. Fact-checking real-time social posts and viral videos taught me how multimedia elements can both clarify and distort truths and underscored my responsibility as a storyteller to verify everything. Multimedia journalists must not only be fluent in technology but also vigilant guardians of authenticity.
At the end of the day, my journalism journey has taught me that multimedia storytelling is an ethical imperative. By thoughtfully combining images, sound, and text, I strive to create stories that spark dialogue and build empathy. As I continue to refine my skills, I remain committed to using each medium’s unique strengths to illuminate voices that too often go unheard — and to remind audiences that, when we experience a story together, we are all stronger for it.