Reporter at MLive Media Group
About
What do you do as a reporter?
Currently, I am writing stories for four weekly newspapers in the greater Grand Rapids area. My primary coverage areas are the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, and I cover any and all news coming out of those communities, as well as others.
Why did you choose to major in Psychology and how has that affected your career thus far?
When I got to campus in Fall 2012, I had no idea I would walk across the stage in the Crisler Center to accept my degree in Psychology almost four years later. I started out as an undeclared student in the College of Engineering but quickly discovered that was not a road I wanted to walk down. After transferring to the College of LSA, I initially declared in American Culture before ultimately changing my mind again and settling on Psychology. In the end, I would also complete minors in American Culture and through the Sweetland Writing Center.
What was your career path like?
After officially graduating in Aug. 2016, I began a reporting internship with MLive in Detroit in September. I stayed in the Motor City until the final day of that year and then was transferred to The Ann Arbor News, where I continued my internship until the middle of May. A period of unemployment (except for my brief time as an Uber driver) followed for four months before I accepted a full-time position with MLive in Walker, just northwest of Grand Rapids.
What advice do you have for students getting a degree in the UM Psychology Department who are considering your profession?
I don't know that I would be able to provide the best advice for undergraduate students currently seeking a degree in Psychology because I have obviously followed a slightly different career path than I imagine most Psych grads will. I still think some of the best advice I ever received was that major does not equal career. I think of my degree more as a liberal arts degree that has helped shape me into the person and employee I am today.
How do you use your psychology undergraduate experience in your work?
My degree has not directly impacted my career, per se. But the opportunity to write for The Michigan Daily and SHEI Magazine on campus surely provided me with journalism experience during my time as an undergraduate. Even though I don't directly use my Psychology degree today, I am extremely glad I decided to attend the University of Michigan, where I made new friends, opened myself up to new opportunities and viewpoints, and just truly had an all-around great time.
