My experience during the Discover the Unexpected fellowship was everything I hoped it would be, and so much more. There are no words to express the amount of gratitude I have for each individual that I came in contact with during the program. I cannot thank them enough for all that they taught me. They inspired me, motivated me, and gave me unwavering support. During the fellowship, I gained a new perspective on life that superseded the articles I wrote, the beautiful sunburst colored Chevrolet Equinox I got to drive, or even the amazing scholarship I received. None of that meant anything without the people we worked with in the newsroom, the experiences behind the scenes on set, and most of all the people we reported on.

With over 28 million views on YouTube, a viral video showing a 700-pound sea lion pulling a little girl into the water off a pier in Vancouver, British Columbia, has left many around the world stunned about the possible bad behaviors that these pinniped creatures may possess.

Never one to shy away from the challenge of greatness, I recently accepted the opportunity to work with the Black Press this summer in the National Newspaper Publishers Association “Discover The Unexpected” Journalism Fellowship program.