Throughout this past fall season, I had the chance to grow as an on-site reporter and contributor for New England Football Journal (NEFJ), an online publication specializing in the coverage of local high school, collegiate, and professional football. 

 

The time I’ve spent with NEFJ has proven invaluable not only towards my development as a writer but also in managing a journalism staff where both creative freedoms and good communication are highly emphasized. 

 

Having been connected with NEFJ founders John Sarianidies and Kevin Stone in late August 2022, the timeline of my work with NEFJ provided me with an opportunity to work with experienced journalists in professional settings while, at the same time, formulating how I wanted Pantherbook to look for this academic year. These two lines of journalism are extremely correlated. 

 

Sarianidies and Stone’s thoughtful editing of my pieces has taught me how to openly communicate when giving writers feedback, and, by allowing me to report from dream venues such as Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium, the NEFJ founders instilled in me the importance of trusting a staff while giving writers creative liberty to find their own engaging stories. My selected stories in this portfolio show this mix. Both these articles are the product of story ideas I had, and when proposed to Sarianidies and Stone, the two believed in me and said “Go for it!”.