Katie's Story
Why journalism?
From pizza to passion...
I'm a journalist—that's pretty clear if you've made it this far on my site. But, sometimes the why is more important than the what. Why am I a journalist?
Well, it happened by accident. That, or it was fate.
​
During childhood, I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. The question pained me when asked in school or by family. I didn't have an answer. My interests varied and I couldn't imagine sticking to just one of them for the whole "when I grow up" time! Astronaut (how typical), dental hygienist, and UFOlogist (I was a loyal Tuesday night History Channel viewer) were some of the less-fleeting job prospects.
​
Then, at the age of 13, I was diagnosed with type one diabetes. Once fearful of needles and anything hospital-related, I decided I'd dedicate my life's work to the medical field in homage to those who saved my life.
​
Out of high school, I pursued a degree in Clinical Laboratory Science. I couldn't stand spending hours on end in the lab and wondered how I'd ever do this for the rest of my life. [Enter panic!]
​
Only one thing saved me from a student identity crisis: the campus newspaper. Though in a STEM field, I'd been writing for them since the semester's first issue. Funnily enough, it was the promise of pizza at their weekly meetings that drew me to their cohort. I became a well-respected staff writer and the advisor and editors quickly recognized my talent. Hm, maybe this is something I can do! I changed my course of study to communications, and the rest of the story writes itself.
​
In short, I don't have a distinguished reason for becoming a journalist; mine was pizza. That said, why we keep going is perhaps more important than why we started.
Okay, so it started because I like pizza (especially FREE pizza), but it's so much more than that now.
​
I am passionate about journalism. That's not something I say to placate job recruiters or to match the desired buzzword; I mean it. Enthusiasm and passion drive everything I do. There's not a single assignment I don't approach with creativity and care; if I'm doing it, you can be sure I'm giving it my all.
​
If these sound like lies—if you think I couldn't possibly be describing myself, but rather the dream journalist—then I guess that means I'm the journalist of your dreams!
What are you waiting for? Contact me using the form below to talk about opportunities, including freelance work.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
This chapter of Katie features...
...a whole lot! I'm not a 'volume one' person. I have leveled up and learned so much about media and journalism since the pizza days. I'm not a final edition, either. I firmly believe learning is a lifelong process, and I can't wait to see how I evolve.
​
Here's what I do:
​
-
I'm a huge political fiend. Politics angers and bores others, but electrifies me. Along with journalism, I study political science. Modern American politics is shifting, and while these are turbulent, yet promising, times, I'm sure our lived experience will make an interesting case study one day. In past years, I co-hosted a political talk show on WHSK 91.1, the campus radio station. I would love to go back to talking about news and politics at the professional level. Currently, I host a human-based storytelling podcast, "Rosie the Raconteur." Episodes coming soon!
-
With how heated politics can get (and I assure you, I have strong opinions), now's a good time to mention my debate history. I competed on a champion collegiate forensics team for three years. During that time, I amassed dozens of awards. Some of my most-cherished honors are in Lincoln-Douglas debate and pentathlon, and being named one of the top debate speakers.
-
Now for one of my proudest roles: I'm the editor-in-chief of BUnow.com, an online news media site. Not only do I perform typical editorial tasks, such as copy editing and pitching content, but I also lead the team of staff and encourage everyone to follow their creative visions. I can't thank BUnow's advisor, Dr. Richard Ganahl, enough for mentoring me in the same way, and never giving up on me. My confidence in this field is duly credited to his example and support. Thank you so much, Dr. G! A photo of BUnow's top leaders in 2019 is at the top of this page.
-
I'm also versed in digital marketing and sales. I am a certified Radio Marketing Professional (RAB-accredited). My badge for the Google Analytics skills assessment, for which I scored in the top five percent of over 379k LinkedIn users, is proof of my technical ability. I hold another skills badge in WordPress (top 15 percent of 507k users), and work regularly with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, my most proficient being Audition, Illustrator, and InDesign. Keep in mind, I branded myself on this site and across social media, too!
Connect with me on the social media
above (click the icons) to be part of
the next chapter of my story!