Janea Melido, at right, at the University of Portland's activities fair in 2021 recruiting people for their student-run publication, The Beacon. 

I was in my childhood bedroom, sitting in front of my computer on Zoom, when I entered my first college class in 2020. Just a few weeks prior, I had received an email from the University of Portland that informed me that the fall semester would be held entirely remotely, due to COVID.

The disconnect I felt as a result of the distance between me and my new life was discouraging. But I soon found community at The Beacon, UP’s student-run news publication.

That connection is what inspired me to apply for a position on staff. When I return to campus in the fall, I will be serving my second year on the editorial board and take over as the news and managing editor.

During my time as a student journalist, I’ve learned that there are an abundance of perspectives that go into one story. Reporting has granted me the opportunity to practice my interpersonal communication, time management and problem solving skills. More importantly, I’ve learned what it means to be meaningfully involved in something. Now, when I head out to uncharted territory, I make it a priority to browse local newspapers — not only to get a sense of my environment, but to really integrate myself within a community.

At The Spokesman, my goal is to illuminate the stories of the people residing in Redmond. I hope to build relationships with small businesses and their owners to uncover the hidden gems that make every one unique, while creating a narrative that connects people to their community.

As a Snowden intern, I will be completing three case studies this summer about ethical issues that arise as a journalist. My plan is to use this internship as firsthand experience to help guide me in my studies.

I will practice transparency and ethical reporting by following the four cornerstones of journalism: Seeking the truth and reporting it, minimizing harm, acting independently and being accountable and transparent.

My time at the Spokesman will set a solid foundation for the future of my journalism career and I’m excited to grow even more as a journalist this summer.