"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing." 
-Benjamin Franklin

Welcome

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The field of journalism is constantly changing and evolving, but my passion for it has never wavered. With each new day comes a new topic to cover, another photograph to shoot and a unique story to tell. I have experienced the power a single story can have, and I believe in sharing that strength with as many eyes, ears and minds I can reach.

This website offers a brief look at my experience as a journalist – what stories I am covering, obstacles I am overcoming and skills I am learning. This site serves as a time capsule tracking and monitoring my journalistic growth, while showcasing my strengths and highlighting areas that may need improvement.

I hope this website will not only benefit me, but its readers as well. In a world without a constant hunger for news, journalists would serve little purpose. This is my official promise to discover and address interesting pieces of news. I will share anything and everything I can with you. Stay hungry for news and I will deliver it to you.

About Me

I've been told from a young age that I have a knack for writing, and to stick with it. Even without such great encouragement, the thought of doing anything other than writing would have never crossed my mind.

I am a senior at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis., majoring in journalism and minoring in French and anthropology. I am working as the editor-in-chief of my university's award-winning student newspaper, The Marquette Tribune. I grew up in the small, rural town of Bristol, Wis., with my older sister, Chelsea and my parents, Joe and Terry. With a house surrounded by cornfields as a child, I had lots of opportunities to use my imagination for my own (and others') entertainment.

I am a life long Wisconsin resident and bleed Midwestern culture through and through. Whether it's hiking through the woods in the springtime or snowmobiling on trails "up north," during the infamous Wisconsin winters, I always enjoy the opportunities provided by my present location. Because of my love for my own culture, I developed a strong curiosity about other countries and their traditions. This fervent interest contributed to my appreciation for travel and inspired me to study abroad in Paris, France from January to June 2012. My love for writing and experiencing other parts of the world has led me in pursuit of a career offering a fusion of journalism and travel. Here's to the places I've been, and here's to the places I'm going.
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Me exploring the amazing Cliffs of Moher while in Ireland with my mom and aunt in May 2012.

Tessa's Top Five

Below are some of my favorite things I have written. I hope you enjoy reading these as much as I enjoyed writing them. 
During the spring semester of my junior year in college, I studied abroad at l'Institut Catholique de Paris in Paris, France. I greatly improved my French skills, learned more about the historic city and made incredible friendships. Read all about my travels in France, Ireland, Spain and Morocco in my study abroad blog, Fox in France.
After tragedy struck Newtown, Conn., Dec. 14, 2012, I had the incredible opportunity to speak to one of the first responders to Sandy Hook Elementary School during my internship with The Journal Times. Read the article based on an emotional interview with Danbury, Conn. Police Chief Al Baker here.
During my internship with The Journal Times I worked on an award-winning nine-day series about mental health care called "Mental Illness: The power, the System and Success." Read my installment about the inaccessibility to local mental health care here.
One of my favorite things about being a journalist is discovering new things. For this assignment, I got to learn more about birth doulas and alternative methods of childbirth. Read more to learn about what a birth doula does.
During the 2012 election cycle, I worked as part of a project with The Washington Post, which was comprised of 12 students in swing states across the country. This student editorial board worked to help create, curate and crowd-source election 2012 coverage. Check out my work with "The 12" here.