I always remember what my community college photography professor said: I should expand my role as a journalist rather than just being a writer. So I took his advice and applied for NPR NextGenRadio at CapRadio because I wanted to learn how to do an audio story. To be honest, I was expecting to be rejected, but I managed to get accepted into the program.
My only experience with audio is taking some classes through multimedia and broadcast, but I mostly did videos. This is the first time I ever did a whole project with just audio, and it was a good experience.
I had help from my mentor, Kristin Torres because this project would have been difficult without her. I’m glad she was patient with me because I have autism, and learning is challenging. Also, it was enjoyable to talk with her about her journalism career.
I’m very grateful that NPR NextGenRadio at CapRadio allowed me to expand my skill as a journalist when it comes to audio. It was difficult to get interviews because I reached over 20 people about climate change, but eventually, a football coach from high school was willing to talk to me. When I interviewed the coach about climate change and sports, I realized that these stories are underrepresented in the media.
I’m glad that I told the coach’s story.
It was fun talking with other students with the same passion for journalism as me and bonding over it. Also, it was great talking with the other mentors about their experience when it comes to working in journalism. They also gave other students and me some helpful advice regarding being a journalist, and we could contact them if we want any references when it comes to jobs.
I want to use the skills I learn from NPR NextGenRadio CapRadio for future jobs or do independent work for myself when I have free time.
Again, I realized that I don’t have to be just writing for news because, in journalism, there are many options if you are willing to take a chance and learn.
