Students wrote stories like this one in the JRN 115 Intro to Media Writing course, taught by Alan Blanchard, associate professor of journalism – Editor.
The crowd roars. The players celebrate. A reporter dashes on-field to interview the coach of the winning team.
Taylor sophomore Lynnea Humrichous wants to be this reporter. She loves the thrill of live sports reporting, but she would also be comfortable interviewing guests in a studio. She loves speaking with others and investing herself in their stories.
Her focus wasn’t always on journalism, however.
“I originally wanted to be in education,” Humrichous said.
Though she was passionate about journalism, she didn’t think she had the talent or ability to become a real reporter or television host. Her journalism journey was filled with highs and lows.
Humrichous describes herself as an extrovert, loving the spotlight since she was young. She competed in beauty pageants and later became a pageant judge. She started to explore the field of journalism in high school, where she worked on its publications team and hosted its news program.
“I loved wearing a good blazer,” Humrichous said.
Her family’s love of sports inspired her to become a sports reporter.
“My family is a big sports family; we’ve watched every game you can imagine,” Humrichous said. “In high school, I wanted to be the person who would interview the coaches at the end of a NCAA game.”
A trip to New York City with her school’s show choir was another major influence. Humrichous and the group were in the outdoor audience of the TV morning show “Good Morning America.” While she didn’t get to see the indoor set, she was happy she got the chance to watch the hosts in action.
In addition to being a sports reporter, Humrichous would like to become a host on a morning show like “Good Morning America.” She enjoys interviewing people to get to know them and the stories they have to tell.
“I love sitting down and interviewing someone and having a conversation,” Humrichous said.
After high school, Humrichous still didn’t know if a career in journalism was right for her. She doubted that she was good enough to be a sports reporter or morning show host.
Her best friend, a Taylor student, asked her to come to Taylor for a visit. Humrichous visited, applied and left her journalism dreams behind to pursue elementary education.
During her freshman year, she stayed busy with chapel band and CREW, Taylor’s admissions team.
Humrichous enjoyed life at Taylor, but she felt unsatisfied with her choice of major. She liked Taylor’s elementary education program, but journalism still tugged on her heartstrings.
Humrichous put aside her fears and considered what a career in journalism would look like for her.
“I talked with a career consultant who saw that I could do it,” Humrichous said.
Encouraged, she researched broadcasters in her area to find out where journalism majors could be hired.
After thinking it over, she decided to change her major. She explained she could see God at work as He helped her make the difficult decision.
“There is an endgame already, even if I don’t know what it is,” Humrichous said.
Now, Humrichous is pursuing a double major in journalism and public relations. She’s excited to explore new opportunities in her major, including a trip to New York City during her senior year.
Her advice to students seeking a journalism career is to do their research.
“See if they’re interested in the different things that come with it,” Humrichous said. “When you’re going to take that step, you just have to trust (God) at that point.”
It took some time for her to find her way, but Humrichous’ journalism journey has finally begun.
