Journalism Experience
I realized journalism was the path for me when I got accepted into yearbook in eighth grade. I knew I liked to write and to take pictures, who knew together they could tell such enriching stories. Since then, I've worked my way up through student organizations in high school and college. It's a part of my instinct now; the curiosity needed to learn others' full stories, the craving to go out and meet strangers, the mental cropping of a setting that paints a full picture.
Conducted investigative research while handling sensitive information to develop contextual storytelling skills and ensure accuracy for The Minaret. Won "Outstanding Journalism Student of the Year" at UTampa in April 2024 for this piece.
Crisis reported by extracting and verifying facts from media releases to shape content into an engaging story covering cybersecurity for WFLA.
Spoke to local experts about the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and conducted research on prior storm surges to articulate a science-based piece notifying the community for WMNF. Was featured on Progress Florida's Daily Clips.
Developed long-term storytelling and feature writing skills by conducting interviews and synthesizing historical data to create a story that the community could gain a perspective from for The Minaret.
Arts and entertainment feature focusing on localizing events to a specific audience and experimenting with concert photography for The Minaret. For more photo coverage, visit @petracekphotography on Instagram.
In a sensitive story that directly affects my community, I balanced public records and community accord to develop long-term storytelling skills for The Minaret.
Gained in-field reporting experience by covering local recovery efforts for the two newsworthy storms for WMNF.
Dove into state-wide politics that impact the election, learned about how the local justice system impacts residents and their environment.
Conducted scientific data research through environmental resources to develop a localized story for The Minaret.
Crafted a recap piece focusing on local community efforts with coverage from other photojournalists and dissecting a press release for WFLA.
