FAQ
How did you get into journalism?
Well, I actually always planned on going into historic preservation--brick and mortar historic preservation. I can't go back in time, but I can try and make history come alive as much as possible. And one of the best ways to do this is not only preserving the physical structures of history but also the intangible structures.
As a journalist, I find I can preserve today's history for the future by writing about it. From the big political stories to the small feature stories about everyday people, all of that goes into history.
What have been your favorite projects to work on?
Of course, my favorite projects include those about historic preservation. I did one story two years ago about Murfreesboro's Oakland Mansion and their skilled enslaved workers--where and how they learned their stucco and stone masonry skills. It was eventually published on Studio M.
Another favorite was about the destruction of the old Warren Family Cemetery. I was at a Rutherford County Historical Society meeting when one of the members came in and told everyone the construction workers had bulldozed over a long-forgotten cemetery during the Costco construction off of I-24. They thought "it was just a bunch of boulders." From there, I wrote a story about the conflicts between development and historic preservation in Murfreesboro.
Tips for aspiring journalists?
My biggest tip: don't let anyone fool you. Fact-check everything someone says as much as possible--even if he or she is an expert. Be critical of what they're saying during interviews. And don't be afraid to clarify and ask multiple questions because I guarantee you, your readers are going to have those same questions.
Where are you when you're not working?
Outside. I am blessed to have lived in this beautiful state of Tennessee. I grew up hiking, canoeing, and enjoying Tennessee's state parks. There's nothing quite like walking around old farm, surrounded by foothills with a wide-open, blue sky above. Wish I was there right now.