Early Dreams

Five years ago, I started writing for the Littleton Courier. What started as a high school internship lead to an internship in college and finally to where I am today as a stringer.

After visiting the Newseum during my eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C., I was enthralled by the excitement and strides made by journalism. I wanted to write a hard hitting story and maybe land a Pulitzer. So at 16, I applied to start with my local beat via the Littleton Courier.

My very first article was written about a wedding that took place on the porch of the Sunset Hill House in the midst of Hurricane Irene. I called it "Wedding in the wind"- titles were my favorite!

With fewer reporters on staff, I was able to claim my own cubicle, which I decorated and organized with gusto. My neighbor was Tom, an older gentleman in his eighties with a robust life story. Tom was a Harvard graduate and proof read for the Courier to keep his mind sharp. My task was to proofread behind him, as his eyes weren't as sharp as his wit. One day, Tom said he needed a break, so we strolled next door to Chutter's arm in arm and insisted on buying me a Kit Kat.

One of my favorite things to do was pick on my editor, Art. His desk was a monstrosity and his handwriting completely illegible. He and the assistant editor, Laura taught me so much about interviewing, news writing and AP Style, that I was able to skip Journalistic Writing in college. Wahoo!

My least favorite thing to do was tear sheets for the advertising department. I hear they don't do these anymore.

Art wrote me the sweetest most incredible letter of recommendation when I applied to Lyndon State's journalism program, that I asked if I could include it with one particular scholarship application. It was the Loeb Educational Grant gifted through the Union Leader, and I won it. Not only was it my highest scholarship ($5,000!), the Union Leader published a story on me that featured on page A2!

Going into my internship, I thought I would end up covering exciting news and making a difference. Although I was the first journalist on the scene to the fire at Thayer's Inn, local journalism isn't always compelling. Lead reporter, Khela gave me this piece of advice: "DON'T go into journalism. Get out while you can!" She left to pursue a master's in public relations. Funny thing is, I'm doing more public relations than I am journalism now that I think about it...

I graduated in December 2014 with a BA in English, concentration in journalism and creative writing from Lyndon State College. After starting MegaBug Photography a year prior to graduation, I decided that when it comes to news journalism, I'd much rather be behind the lens.

Despite my preference for photojournalism, I've stayed with the Littleton Courier. Helping out during town meetings and graduations, filling in when they need someone, and, of course, writing my weekly Police & Court News columns. The Littleton Courier is the longest entry on my resume, with MegaBug falling behind at three years next month. I may not be pushing for a career as a hard hitting news writer, but I still may earn my Pulitzer.

Senior photos by Rodeo & Co Photography