Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, just miles away from the hustle and excitement of the entertainment capital of the world, media and news have always been central in my life. One of four children in a rambunctious Italian family, each child was enrolled in the obligatory dance classes many toddlers endure. My other siblings proceeded to be athletes, tattoo artists, and elementary school teachers. But, for me, these classes lit a fire within me; I realized I loved to preform.
My childhood is highlighted by endless trips for auditions and master classes, voice recitals, and piano lessons. Preforming became my passion, and instilled within me a confidence that allowed me to be able to talk to others without nerves and fear. At a young age, it was apparent that I could strike up conversation with a wall.
At the same time, people’s life stories have always intrigued me. My mother founded a non-profit organization for women battling addiction over 30 years ago. My weekends before moving to college were spent roaming the two halfway homes, talking to the women living there. The strength and perseverance of the women I encountered to inspired me, and I was so flattered they felt comfortable enough with me to share their stories. These connections and talks were therapeutic, interesting, and intense. I wanted to tell these women’s stories, and the stories of all those in the world who are voiceless.
Upon entering high school, an all-girls’ Catholic campus, I maintained my love for preforming arts while also discovering an affection for current events. My AP United States History teacher, Mr. Telesca, made me want to be an informed citizen of the world. I recall staying after class during breaks to discuss the biggest news stories of the day with him, learning how to eloquently argue in favor for the causes I believed in. It was at this time that I acknowledged my love for the news and the culture that revolved around it.
Junior year, when I began thinking about college and majors and minors and all the other decisions that I would have to start making, I knew that I could not have a career where I sat behind a desk from 9:00 to 5:00 each day, eyes glued to a computer monitor. I loved preforming, talking to others, social media analytics, and current events. With this in mind, journalism seemed like the major that would allow me to combine and explore all my appetites at the same time. It was like a match made in heaven.
So here I am today, a Broadcast and Digital Journalism major at USC. Life is pretty awesome.
