When I was little, my head was full of stories. I would often take notebooks with me on long car rides so I could write mysteries and fairy tales. I quickly came to the conclusion that I should be a writer. I liked the idea of creative writing ­– telling stories that would touch readers with their intense plots, imaginative scenes and relatable characters. But, journalism also appealed to me, with its fast pace and the possibility of interviewing truly fascinating people.

 

During my high school and middle school years, I developed my writing in both arenas. I was a member of my middle school yearbook staff, and in high school I was a writer and editor for the newspaper. In my spare time, I would work on the fantasy novels I wanted to write. When college came around, I decided to major in journalism (public relations track, to be precise). Not wanting to give up on my creative side, I took some composition and creative writing classes as electives for my own enjoyment.

 

In journalism, I didn’t expect to learn skills other than writing. My multimedia classes taught me photography and videography. My graphic design classes taught me about visual communications. I can now tell an important story in a number of ways on a number of platforms. My words, images, videos and designs can cooperate together to teach, inspire, inform and entertain other people. 

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I have gone on to use these skills in a variety of settings, including a small flower shop business, Indiana state government and a local nonprofit. Though the industry has changed, the work has not. Each entity needs someone who can tell stories. I have come to realize that the more tools I have, the more effective my stories can be.

 

Now, because of my journalism degree and my various work experiences, I can express my creative side through writing, photography, design and video in strategic ways. My passion for the written word has not diminished as I continue to write articles, stories, blogs and press releases. I am still working on those fantasy novels, too. Plus, I now find joy in photography, graphic design and event planning!

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Careers highlights have so far included touring the state with former Indiana Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, playing cornhole in the Statehouse and meeting former Indiana Governor Mike Pence. I've also enjoyed photographing an operational flower farm, meeting with Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, creating an annual media training event for nonprofit professionals and working behind the scenes to declare September 29, 2018 as "John Brandon Day," in honor of a man who has dedicated more than 25 years to furthering youth opportunities in central Indiana.