I wrote for my college newspaper, The Etownian, and worked on the editorial staff for two years, first as Features Co-Editor, then as News Editor. In addition, I worked on the Fine Print Literary Magazine for four years, and was Editor-in-Chief for my final year. In high school, I contributed to and helped design the anthology Monday Afternoon.

Journalism

Students advocate to “Keep Elizabethtown Liberal Arts”

This is an example of news writing. This piece shows the ability to gather facts and interview people to report on issues that matter to the community in a balanced manner.

Interdisciplinary exhibit crossed academic barriers

This article is an example of features writing. It demonstrates interviewing skills and the ability to find and write about the most interesting elements of a wide variety of subjects.

Blue Jays flock to the polls — or their mailbox

This article is an example of news writing. This sample displays skill in covering national events while still connecting it to local people. It also provides valuable information for local readers and addresses some of their concerns.

Creative Writing

Scallops

This is an example of creative nonfiction writing. This sample demonstrates the blending of personal experiences with researched information to create an impactful and reflective piece. It uses evocative and vivid language to elicit an emotional response from the reader by placing them in the experience.

Catching Up

This short story is a sample of short literary fiction writing. This piece was written with a focus on characterization and incorporating character elements into a scene.

How to Grow an Apple Tree

This sample is an example of creative nonfiction writing. It utilizes an unconventional narrative form, poetic language, and repetition to emphasize the emotions in the experience.

Audio Production

The Trial of Memory Fairchild

An original fiction audio drama podcast about anxious medical student in a modern-magical world discovers she can do necromancy when she accidentally kills a patient and brings them back to life. There’s just one problem: necromancy is illegal.

The Trial of Memory Fairchild is a fiction podcast that released a 3-episode first season. This project demonstrates scriptwriting skills, directing and acting skills, and audio editing, sound design, and producing skills.

Etown Abroad Podcast

Brought to you by the Elizabethtown College Study Abroad Office, this podcast features staff, student and alumni interviews about their study abroad experiences. What is studying abroad really like? How is it challenging? How is it fun? What makes it meaningful?

The Etown Abroad Podcast was created for the Elizabethtown College Study Abroad Office as the Communications Capstone project. This podcast is an example of audio production skills used to create an interview-based podcast. This sample displays interviewing and audio editing skills that lead to meaningful podcast content. It is also an example of project management skills and graphic design ability, and the ability to plan and execute all elements of this podcast project. The first five episodes and trailer for this podcast were created by Samantha Seely; a written guide for creating future episodes was provided to the Study Abroad Office. 

Dispatches from Student Quarantine (a WWEC podcast)

“The art of togetherness, at a distance”

This podcast episode is a sample of audio production skills. This episode demonstrates the ability to write for audio and edit audio elements to convey specific emotions. This episode is also an exhibit of collaboration with other producers in the role as lead producer to create a complete episode on a deadline.

Your professor just sent you a message in Canvas

This podcast episode is an example of audio production skills. This sample displays project management as lead producer and collaboration with other producers. It shows the ability to edit writing and audio from varied sources to create a cohesive episode. 

Video Production

Spotted Lanternfly Broadcast News Package

Spotted Lanternfly Package: Script

This broadcast package covers a topical and important features issue in an informative and engaging way. The package displays strong reporting, good shot sequences, and an interactive standup. The script provides an example of proper broadcast script formatting and a on-cam intro and tag for an anchor.

This video was awarded a Student Keystone Media Award in 2021 for the 2nd Place Best Feature (Broadcast).

Alibi – Dessa Music Video

Alibi Production Materials: Treatment, Script, Storyboards

This music video was created as part of a video production class. The production materials shows planning, attention to detail, and creativity in the pre-production phase to ensure a smooth production process and a polished finished product. This video also demonstrates directing, filming, and editing skills.

Graphic Design

Etownian Vol.117, Issue 7 News

This sample is an example of the graphic design done as part of the News Editor role at the Etownian. This example shows layout design capabilities, including the ability to fill the space, fit all news content, and design additional graphics. The layout for the Etownian is done on a tight deadline and is completed in 2-3 days.

Magazine Cover and Table of Contents

This sample is an example of graphic design for print media. It is a magazine cover and table of contents for a hypothetical issue of National Geographic. It shows understanding of graphic design concepts and attention to detail.

Event Announcement for Instagram

This sample is an example of graphic design for social media. It demonstrates use of color and white space to create an aesthetically pleasing design that relates to the event being advertised.