Valerie Bell (’18) has found herself in sewers, planes, firetrucks and on horses, all to tell an interesting story. She recently made a move to Massachusetts to work as a reporter/multimedia journalist for Spectrum News 1. She writes stories for the 24-hour TV news network. She spends her time at the scene of breaking news, looking for stories that matter in the community, interviewing, shooting video and editing segments.
“What I like most in this job is that I have great mentors, and I am finding ways to improve as a journalist every day,” Bell says. “Each day is something new, and you’ll never know where your day will take you.”
The biggest challenge Bell had transitioning into life as a reporter was setting aside emotions to do what she needs to do. She’s covered stories from the scenes of homicides, deadly fires and fatal car accidents. She has sat with families as they find out they have lost a loved one.
“It’s very eye-opening and can take a toll on you emotionally at the end of the day when you witness things like that,” Bell says.
She encourages students to work hard and network as much as possible. Networking has helped Bell get her position after college.
“If you are dedicated, have a lot of experience and can show what you can bring to the network, you are likely to succeed,” Bell says.
-Audrey Kuhns ‘21