MPS Journalism Alum of the Month - May 2012

 
Jessica Weiss graduated from the MPS Journalism program in May 2011. Last November, she moved to Buenos Aires to work as a freelancer and practice her Spanish. Her articles have appeared in publications including The New York Times,The Washington Post Magazine andWashingtonian Magazine. Jessica revealed to us her favorite experiences from the program and how these experiences helped prepare her to live and report abroad.
 
1. Tell us how your degree from the Journalism program has helped you in your current job.
I moved to Buenos Aires somewhat as a leap of faith, but I believe my time at Georgetown helped build my confidence and led me to believe the experience would inevitably work out. During my two years in the program, I was given opportunities to think in new ways and produce meaningful work. With varied courses, I learned that I was interested in working in mediums I never thought I would be, like radio. I was also encouraged by my peers and professors to try to publish my work, which resulted in a portfolio of clips by the time I’d graduated. This proved that I could “do it,” and that my writing was worthwhile. Without those clips and the encouragement, I can assure you I would not have had as much confidence to move abroad without a job. 
 
2.What is your best memory of being in the MPS Journalism program?
There are many, including a variety of inappropriate laugh attacks I had with friends in class (you know who you are)! But I’d have to say Howard Yoon’s Narrative Non-Fiction class really stands out. Part writing bootcamp, part group therapy session, the class (led masterfully by Howard) inspired students to dig deep and share their most personal stories through their writing. It was a totally safe and open space which made for so many beautiful pieces. I grew in huge ways in that class, and I think many others did too.
 
3. Twitter or Facebook?
I’m a self-proclaimed Twitter junkie. I’m actually that person who goes on a soapbox at parties about how Twitter is an incredible tool and shouldn’t be bashed on or characterized as a way to share useless information about your dog. Twitter has helped and inspired me in immeasurable ways. I think it’s an essential tool for journalists.
 
4. Who is your favorite working journalist?
One who comes to mind is Michael Kruse (@MichaelKruse) who writes for the Tampa Bay Times. Though he writes primarily about sports, his portfolio is incredibly varied. The piece that got me hooked on him was a haunting narrative of a Florida woman who died in her own home and wasn’t found for 16 months. The piece basically answers the question, “How could a woman go missing in her own home?” He was able to recreate so many scenes and dig up so many details that brought this woman to life and made the whole narrative very impressive. I remember reading the piece on a Sunday morning and being moved, baffled, saddened and horrified all at once — and of course totally in awe of his writing.
 
You can see some of the journalists I try to follow via my Twitter ”journalists“ list.
 
5. What one piece of advice would you give current students?
Take a risk while you can. It would have been nice and easy for me to stay in Washington, but I could no longer resist my curiosity and the urge to live abroad. A lot of people ask me how they can do something similar. It’s not for everyone, but if it’s something you really want, you can do it, and it will be worthwhile no matter what. Even to move to another city or state in the U.S. Use your skills to make it work financially while you settle — I have a variety of part-time jobs including an editing gig, English tutoring, yoga teaching — and then get out there and try to find the stories you want to tell and hope someone picks them up. I’m no expert, and I’ve certainly gotten my share of rejections, but I do believe that if you do something with passion and heart, and if you really want it, it can be. And even if it doesn’t turn out how you expected or hoped, just trust you’ll be a better person and storyteller for it down the road.