Jeyca Maldonado-Medina

Jeyca transferred to HSJMC when she decided to go for a career in audio journalism.
Hometown
Eagan, Minnesota
Major
Journalism

Interview by Alex Smith

Why did you decide to become a journalism major?

From a young age, I knew I loved stories. I read all the time and loved to hear adults tell me about their lives and what they loved to do. So when I got to college I declared an English major. I got a job at the college radio station at UMD, called KUMD. I was on their news team and it clicked for me that I could combine my love of storytelling with audio and make something amazing. Chris Julin was my professor at UMD and he helped decide that a move to the TC campus would open up so many doors for me.

What has been your favorite part of your experience at HSJMC?

I love the fact the HSJMC is such a community. It's really comforting to walk into my journalism classes and see familiar faces who I'm good friends with. The professors also take the time to get to know you and learn about your interests and your strengths and weaknesses.

What journalism class or professor has had the biggest impact on you?

By far I'd have to say that G.G. has had a huge impact on me. She pushed me in intro to reporting and writing and she continued to push during the fall practicum. G.G. really takes the time to get to know her students and what they're good at and what needs work.

What minors, internships, or activities are you pursuing outside of your Journalism major? How do you think these enhance your study of Journalism and/or your future career plans?

Outside of classes I've been keeping very busy. I am the managing editor and host of Real College Podcast at Radio K. I did an internship with MPR News and an internship at APM with the podcast "Terrible, Thanks for Asking" and I'm currently interning with the Current and the Star Tribune. My internships have all been a result of connections I've made at the U or UMD. Internships go far beyond class ever can because you're put in a professional work environment where not only is your name on the line but the name of the company too. It sort of forces you to take it seriously.

What journalism course would you recommend for other students on your major?

If your focus is audio you need to take intro to podcasting. Sarah Lemanczyk is my advisor at Radio K and she is so smart and has imparted so much wisdom and so many jokes.

What is your dream job? 

My dream job would be to host or produce my own podcast for NPR. I really respect NPR as a company and I'd love to bring my perspective as a Latina woman into the mix.

What are your favorite news sources?

NPR is for sure my No. 1. They always have such interesting stories with a real human side to them. I also really love the Atlantic. I'm super fond of going in-depth and getting to know the people behind a story.

What advice do you have for future SJMC students?

Take advantage of all the wonderful staff and faculty at the J school. They have some amazing connections that will prove so useful. I would also tell you to not doubt yourself. If you're putting in the work and improving then you'll be great. Maybe not right away, but if you keep trying you'll learn.

Jeyca Maldonado-Medina