I was the reporting fellow for The Counter, a nonprofit newsroom covering food and agriculture. As a reporter in the newsroom, I kept up to date with news relating to how America eats. I contributed to the bi-weekly newsletter and reported several breaking news features, both investigative and in-depth. I’m particularly proud of a 6,000-word feature I wrote about how the hidden industry that supports restaurants is being torn apart by the pandemic. The piece was widely shared and selected as an editor’s pick on the Long Reads site. The Counter’s mission is to provide independent, nonpartisan reporting that investigates the forces that shape what America eats. And I think my piece did just that.

I couldn’t have possibly succeeded to the extent that I have without my degree from Columbia. At Columbia Journalism School I learned fundamental reporting and writing skills that I use in every part of my reporting today. My professors helped me learn what makes a strong pitch, how to frame a story, and what’s ethical in terms of reporting. 

My biggest challenge was related to the pandemic. It’s difficult to work remotely, especially when starting a new job — it takes time to understand a new beat and get to know new colleagues. It takes even longer when you’re stripped of the opportunity to talk in person.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the food beat. I’ve learned how to find a smart and fresh angle on a story. And I’ve found that even in a specific beat, there’s a whole world of stories and directions one can take. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to accomplish my goals of learning from my editors and writing a variety of stories.