My name is Kelsey Richardson, and I’m currently a reporter in the gorgeous valley town of Andrews, N.C. I write for two community newspapers, the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal. On a daily basis you can find me interviewing people, writing stories and chasing down the latest scoop–literally. My articles range from hard news to exposing the interesting lives of local residents.
A year and a half ago I earned my B.A. in mass communication and minor in biology from Georgia College & State University. While attending college, I worked as a CA (the cooler version of an RA) for three years at the university’s apartments. I kicked off my job by taking charge of around 60 freshmen residents, which slowly progressed into approximately 90 residents by my last year as a CA.
I developed a myriad of skills while working as a CA, which in turn have strengthened my abilities as a reporter. For years I had to gain the attention of dozens of residents, convincing them to fill out surveys, attend meetings and show up to events. It’s safe to say earning 100 percent survey feedback from over 90 residents was quite the daunting task. As a CA I learned how to politely confront residents and somehow convince them to do what I wanted–most of the time. As a reporter I complete similar tasks including interviewing people and getting in contact with strangers.
My advice for current CAs/RAs would be to take a chance and step out of your comfort zone. Sometimes the places less traveled lead to exciting experiences and developing a wealth of connections. Not knowing anyone in North Carolina, I took a risk and accepted my current job. Additionally, before becoming a reporter, I worked as an editorial intern in Hong Kong for a summer. I’ve without a doubt grown in my career field and as a person because I stepped beyond my comfort zone.
A year and a half ago I earned my B.A. in mass communication and minor in biology from Georgia College & State University. While attending college, I worked as a CA (the cooler version of an RA) for three years at the university’s apartments. I kicked off my job by taking charge of around 60 freshmen residents, which slowly progressed into approximately 90 residents by my last year as a CA.
I developed a myriad of skills while working as a CA, which in turn have strengthened my abilities as a reporter. For years I had to gain the attention of dozens of residents, convincing them to fill out surveys, attend meetings and show up to events. It’s safe to say earning 100 percent survey feedback from over 90 residents was quite the daunting task. As a CA I learned how to politely confront residents and somehow convince them to do what I wanted–most of the time. As a reporter I complete similar tasks including interviewing people and getting in contact with strangers.
My advice for current CAs/RAs would be to take a chance and step out of your comfort zone. Sometimes the places less traveled lead to exciting experiences and developing a wealth of connections. Not knowing anyone in North Carolina, I took a risk and accepted my current job. Additionally, before becoming a reporter, I worked as an editorial intern in Hong Kong for a summer. I’ve without a doubt grown in my career field and as a person because I stepped beyond my comfort zone.
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