Finding my voice in journalism

I felt a sense of belonging to Miami University since my freshman year, but was disconnected to Oxford. The school and the city were two separate entities – coexisting without interacting. 

I always assumed that the locals must be bothered by the students and the noise and the partying uptown, but that wasn’t necessarily the case. 

As I sat in on commission and city hall meetings, I saw how the city’s relationship with its students was a mutually beneficial one, welcoming student presentations and input. 

I am immensely grateful that the community not only understands the importance of local news, but embraces the role of the paper. I got to talk to community members about the environment, sporting events, local government and community efforts. Each interview reminded me of how willing people can be to open up about causes that matter to them, which encouraged me to tell their stories to the best of my ability. 

My time with the OFP challenged me – some weeks I did not know how I would meet my weekly deadline while working another internship, taking a full course load and the stress of being 698 miles away from home in South Carolina during a difficult time for my family.  

But the fear of putting pen to paper dwindled with more published issues. Writing is a muscle –  one that can only be strengthened through repetition. I didn’t grasp this concept before writing for the Free Press. Beforehand, I always shied away from a blank screen, scared a story wouldn’t turn out the way that I had envisioned and afraid to put myself out there until a deadline approached and the only option left was to complete the assignment. 

But needing to report on a weekly basis transformed writing as something I hid from, to something I embraced wholeheartedly. With words, I could tell meaningful stories. With words, I could explore my passion for writing. With words, I could advocate for myself when needed.

This internship, alongside my major in journalism, played a formative role in my growth, not only professionally, but as an individual. I’ve never considered myself super outgoing, and while I still need to psych myself up before walking up to strangers when covering events, reporting with the OFP taught me how to find confidence in that discomfort. 

I would like to thank my professors, Joe Sampson and James Tobin, for their support and mentorship throughout this process. I would also like to thank my editors Aidan Conrue and Katelyn Aluise, for their guidance and help improving my writing, as well as my fellow intern Hannah Sander, for driving around aimlessly with me for a story idea that never panned out. 

I know that when I return to Oxford one day, I will be flooded by memories of my time here with friends, my favorite and least favorite classes and my role as a reporter.

And when I walk through High Street and reminisce on Oxford’s small town charm, I will think of the people who work to make this place a vibrant and caring community.