HIGHLIGHTS
Included below are samples of my work that reflect my ability to write and edit in a number of different genres. Together, they provide a cohesive view of my skillset and serve as an example of the many ways I can contribute to the success of your organization or project.
NEWS ARTICLE: "FSU Introduces New LGBTQ+ Housing Option"
Mar. 8, 2021
This news story was originally written for the FSView & Florida Flambeau, but it was picked up and republished by the Tallahassee Democrat. It details the new FSU LGBTQ+ housing option and presents students' reactions from a press conference held by Gender Odyssey, a campus organization that supports transgender and gender-nonconforming students.
This article demonstrates my ability to report factually from an unbiased perspective with equal weight given to both sides of the same story. Through writing this article, I learned more about how to interview people with a personal, emotional connection to a topic and how to ask questions that help them summarize their beliefs into a succinct, understandable statement. I also gained more comfort with fact-checking, writing in Associated Press style, and editing my own work for concision.
FEATURE ARTICLE: Dorian Paul Rogers Alumni Profile
Apr. 15, 2021
This feature article was written for the FSU English department's website and highlights the achievements of one graduate of the department, Dorian Paul Rogers, who teaches English in Abu Dhabi and runs a slam poetry group. Rogers also recently published a book, "The Million Mile Stare," which is a cross between a poetry collection and an adult coloring book.
This is the longest article I've ever written, clocking in at over 2,000 words. The profile demonstrates my ability to construct interesting and compelling fact-based narratives without wordiness or excessive detail, and it shows my comfort with conducting personal interviews and reaching out to multiple sources for opinions. While writing this article, I gained experience with writing interview questions, formatting an article using subheads, and portraying personal character through my writing.
FICTION LINE EDIT: Rough Manuscript Draft
December, 2020
I edited three chapters of a rough, unedited fiction manuscript. The edits suggested are intended to produce a refined second draft, which would continue in the editing process for further polishing.
Editing fiction is completely unique from editing nonfiction academic or journalistic work, so this edited manuscript demonstrates my ability to change editing styles depending on the genre. With fiction, as with any piece of writing, I always try to preserve the author's tone and style while suggesting revisions to make their language more clear and concise. In this fiction line edit, I've tried to phrase my suggestions in encouraging and informative ways so the author feels motivated to continue on in the writing and rewriting process.
(This project was completed as part of a course, so my instructor's feedback is also visible.)
OP-ED: Difficulties of Ethical Consumerism
Mar. 1, 2021
This op-ed presents a well-written opinion based on factual research, and it discusses the many difficulties associated with shopping ethically in the 21st century. I wrote this op-ed for an advanced writing and editing course, and I created the layout in Adobe InDesign. Since I usually write articles that do not include my personal opinion, writing this piece forced me to stretch myself and venture outside of my comfort zone. I wrote the op-ed with a clear rhetorical purpose in mind, paying attention to my intended audience and my exigence.
This project demonstrates my genre flexibility, my ability to research, write and edit proficiently, and my knowledge of Adobe InDesign. It also serves as an example of my willingness to try new things and my eagerness to acquire additional skills.
BUSINESS BLOG: (swah-rey)
August, 2020
This is the introductory post for (swah-rey)'s business blog. (swah-rey) is a local dessert bar in St. Petersburg, Florida, specializing in Mini-Cupcakes, dessert bars, marshmallows, and full-sized cake slices. I formerly worked for (swah-rey) as a server, barista, and kitchen assistant, so I was flattered when the owner, Leslie Ann Ciccone, approached me about running the business's new blog.
I wrote this blog post, as I do every (swah-rey) blog post, with the goal of search engine optimization to attract more visitors to the company's website. This blog shows my ability to entice consumers with my writing, drawing them to both the website and physical stores. It also shows my dedication to the company that helped me get my start in Florida, and I feel a similar sense of loyalty to all of the organizations and people I work with.
NEWS ARTICLE: "Aramark as FSU’S Controversial New Dining Services Provider"
Jan. 17, 2021
This news article was written for the FSView & Florida Flambeau. It details Florida State University's dining services contract with Aramark and provides information about the company's controversial history of mistreatment allegations in the detention centers it services. Following the article's publication, it received a large number of interactions with a high average view time.
Based on the information provided in this article, a group of Florida State University students petitioned the university's administration to cut ties with the organization, which spurred the school to amend its contract.
This article demonstrates my ability to do in-depth research, to report from an unbiased perspective, and to condense a large amount of information into a concise piece of text.
