Reporting and Writing 

This story addresses a high-stakes issue involving press freedom, government transparency, and democracy. By covering the Pentagon walkout, the piece examines how government-imposed restrictions on journalists can affect the public's access to information, challenging First Amendment rights. The article shows my ability to report on political and ethical issues by utilizing diverse and credible sources, including open government advocates, professional journalists, educators, and student media leaders.  Interviewing figures such as the director of the North Carolina Open Government Coalition and journalism professors at UNC-Chapel Hill added expert analysis and multiple perspectives, strengthening the story’s objectivity. This sample shows my ability to conduct professional interviews, put breaking events into broader ethical frameworks, and produce timely reporting on important issues.

This article highlights the real-time impact of a natural disaster on a community and shows my role in amplifying lived experiences during a crisis. Reporting on Hurricane Helene allowed me to document the destruction at Appalachian State and the resilience of Wakefield alumni navigating uncertainty and recovery. By sharing firsthand accounts from students and student leaders, the story captures the challenges caused by the storm. Interviewing multiple alumni across class years and leadership roles provides varied perspectives to strengthen the reader's understanding of the community's response. This article shows how I can report sensitively on traumatic events, verify information during an evolving situation, and shed light on experiences of large-scale disasters through clear storytelling.

This piece dissects government influence over media access and its implications for press freedom and democratic accountability. By analyzing the White House's decision to control press pool access, the story connects a current event to historical precedent principles of the Constitution, and public trust in the government. Referencing the First Amendment, the Watergate scandal, and a federal court ruling gives legal and historical context to the argument, reinforcing the press's role as a watchdog. This article demonstrates my ability to construct an evidence-based opinion, use historical and modern examples, and engage readers in civic discourse on the importance of a free and independent press.

This story addresses the persistent local issue of pet overpopulation in North Carolina. It examines the causes, consequences, and potential solutions. By reporting on rescue organizations such as Freedom Ride Rescue and SAFE Haven For Cats, the piece highlights how factors, including gaps in spay and neuter access and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, contribute to high euthanasia rates. Interviewing nonprofit leaders, volunteers, and shelter professionals allowed me to present a solution-oriented perspective, which was built on advocacy and factual reporting. This sample shows my ability to cover community issues through thorough sourcing, explain social problems in an accessible way, and use journalism to inform the public while also encouraging ethical civic engagement.