I had an experience of a lifetime this weekend when my team was invited to one of the biggest radio stations in Houston, Majic 102.1. The conversation on air was a breeze and even comical at times. After the interview, I got the chance to see how much work is actually put in producing a radio show.

Introducing Michelle Matthews-Alexander, Multicultural Marketing Manager at General Motors. Michelle has dedicated her career to enhancing major corporations’ relationship with diverse communities. Since joining GM in 2015, Michelle has not only advocated for, but helped spearhead Chevrolet’s Discover the Unexpected Journalism Fellowship program. In partnership with the National Newspaper Publishers Association, she and Chevrolet have invested in the future of Black Journalism while simultaneously supporting students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Now in its fourth year, the 2019 Chevrolet Discover The Unexpected program continues to provide opportunity to young journalists as they work to tell the stories that matter.

First week in Houston is in the books, and I wrote my first cover story! On the first day in the office, we got breaking news about a press conference that would be happening the next morning on some recent killings of innocent children in the Houston area.

My 5th week as a DTU fellow has been very challenging. I’ve been faced with the task of writing stories at a speed that I’m not accustomed to, but I appreciate the discomfort and growth.

The last week at The Atlanta Voice was spectacular, and the perfect finale to an outstanding experience. My team got to interview the owner of Slutty Vegan, Pinky Cole. I’ve been a big fan of Slutty Vegan since hearing about its efforts to provide healthy and delicious food options for the African American community in Atlanta’s West End.

Sadly, it was time to leave The Atlanta Voice this week. In such a short amount of time, I met so many great people who were so invested in my future and were ready to help me succeed. On our way to New Orleans, we were given media passes for our first Essence Fest experience.

In only four weeks, my portfolio has grown tremendously with both print and broadcast samples. I have actually caught the eye of several news directors across the country for on-air positions!

Timeless editions of Ebony featured some of the biggest stars in Black America, including issues covered by Diana Ross, Sidney Poitier, as well as President & first lady Barack & Michelle Obama.

In a press conference and groundbreaking ceremony in the Adamsville community of southwest Atlanta on Monday, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms released the City of Atlanta’s Housing Affordability Action Plan – the first ever such document to address the City’s supply of housing in the City of Atlanta for a full spectrum of its residents.

I decided to focus on a story about Bernie Sanders and his plan to clear the student loan debt of 45 million Americans. With coaching by my editor, Marshall Latimore, I turned a script I wrote into a story for the newspaper.