Learning Outcome 5

During my time at the University of Rhode Island. I've been able to expand my understanding of the world around me. Every person at this university is different in some way. Between my time in the classroom, extracurricular activities, internships and experience as a student reporter; diversity is what makes this job unique. Growing up in the 21st century means being apart of a generation that has greater exposure to a world characterized by difference and change.

 

I love being able to meet different people and share their stories. I find that I learn and grow the most when I'm stepping outside of my comfort zone. It's important for any journalist to be prepared for a multi-cultural world and be ready to face challenges in order to do our job correctly. What makes a journalist a good reporter and great storyteller is the ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes. In each of my pieces of evidence, I can honestly say I tried my best to put myself in the subject's shoes.

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My first piece of evidence comes from PSC 116G: Introduction to International Politics. The course is centralized around the challenges current and future policy-makers are faced with in an increasingly complex political environment. One of the biggest issues in Mali is the level of social and economic inequality, specifically the lack of women’s rights. I researched and wrote an essay discussing how political leaders can improve women's rights and access to contraceptives. I found this assignment to be incredibly eye-opening because this is an issue I don't experience in my personal life.

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My second piece of evidence comes from JOR 420: Advanced Reporting. The theme of our reporting focused on different aspects of coastal resiliency in Rhode Island. I decided to look into how rising seas levels are affecting real estate in the Ocean State. I conducted interviews with residents, political leaders, scientists and insurance brokers to tell the best version of the story; change is coming to life by the sea. This story fits within the guidelines of the diversity outcome because I've never considered myself to be a science reporter. Over 2,000 words later and I feel that this piece of writing truly gives a voice to the "voiceless". It brings attention to a serious environmental, lifestyle threat. 

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My third piece of evidence comes from JOR 415: Perspectives on Reporting. I completed a semester-long project titled, "Being a Teacher in the Age of School Shootings". It's a narrative story featuring different teachers, sharing their experiences about working in schools during a time where gun violence is at an alarming high. I felt that a podcast was the best medium of delivery to share this story based on the mental and emotional connection it can create. This piece of evidence fulfills the diversity outcome because it addresses a serious topic about a changing world and workplace. It gives the audience "a taste" of what it's like to be a teacher during moments of serious harm and worry. 

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My fourth piece of evidence is a video I created for GoRhody.com. When COVID-19 cancelled all NCAA spring sports, I knew there wouldn't be any games left to cover. So I made it my mission to learn how is coronavirus affecting URI's student-athletes outside of their sport. For redshirt-junior Tiara Higuchi, coronavirus sent her home to Ontario, Canada indefinitely. This video shares what it's like to be an international student during a global pandemic. We're all going through change in some shape or form. The video emphasizes unique issues that Higuchi is battling.

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In my four years at the University of Rhode Island, I've been challenged and exposed to a variety of different things. Sports is my passion, but there's a number of stories to be told. I've grown as a reporter and become a better storyteller, thanks to the Department of Journalism. I feel that I'm prepared to enter a diverse and multi-cultural world after graduation, but know there's even more I will learn in the future. 

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