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Shadow on Concrete Wall

GABRIELA
MEDINA

Freelance Journalist

Finding myself to be an author, in a world full of unpublished stories.

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About Me

About Me

I have never really been a fan of talking about myself, however, everyone has a story to tell. Although I would much rather prefer to share someone else's story, here is a little about how mine is slowly being written.

Before knowing that I wanted to become a journalist, I knew that I enjoyed storytelling and had a keen eye for creatively telling one. It wasn’t until my time at California State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), that I realized I wanted to become a journalist.

At CSUDH, I was striving to earn my bachelor’s degree in journalism, however, I had also decided to expand my creative mind into the advertising world as well. ​

Being a staff reporter in the CSUDH newspaper The Bulletin, has taught me that I am passionate about telling others’ stories and being a voice for them. I have always been prideful to speak for others when they felt that they could not. 

After graduating from DH, I immediately became an Assignment Desk Intern for KABC-TV Los Angeles or ABC7 Eyewitness News, as some prefer.

So far, my time at ABC7 has been a very hands-on experience and I am truly grateful for the opportunity that the company has given me. It has even motivated me to continue my education at the University of Southern California for my Master in Science in Digital Media Management. I genuinely have been enjoying the opportunities of going out on the field and having that one-on-one interaction with others to hear their stories. Seeing it later be aired on television makes it more special to me because I was able to help get that story told.

Although I am not entirely sure which path I would like to take in the broadcast industry, I know I am willing to go above and beyond to get someone’s story told, the way that they desire. It is very important to me to hear the entire story because it allows me to see how others have different perspectives. Hearing stories from others, allows me to connect with the individual and their backgrounds, making me open-minded to various community members from diverse cultures.

Something that most cultures have in common is dancing. Although dancing has many origins, it is a universal language. Having different backgrounds in dance, I have learned to love performing. In my eyes, a performer is boastful in telling a story through their performance, regardless of whether it is abstract or concrete. As a writer, expressing my emotions and thoughts comes naturally to me in storytelling, much like dancing. I am determined to meet people from more backgrounds and present their stories, especially if it involves social justice issues. Regardless of their role, when a storyteller performs, everyone should listen.

Work Experience

Work Experience

May 2022 - Present

I recently finished my internship as an Assignment Desk Intern at ABC7 Eyewitness News. Being in broadcast has been very different in comparison to writing for print, however, it has been a very interesting experience. I have learned so much in the short amount of time that I have been interning at the company. From being at the assignment desk answering phones and reaching out to people setting up stories and interviews, to going out on the field shadowing different reporters, photographers, news assistants, and video journalists, I have learned several different roles that make up this broadcast. Some individuals have allowed me to practice their tasks on my own under, their guidance of course. I have felt very involved in pitching my story ideas and watching them come to life. I am currently a new hire News Assistant.

October 2021 -  May 2022

I was an intern for the Long Beach local newspaper, Beachcomber. I have used my knowledge in the field to pitch story ideas, and organize interviews, both in-person and virtually. Having some background in photography, I have taken appropriate photos that best suit the story I have written. I have researched topics to assist me in writing my articles. Once completed, I proofread the issue to confirm publication.

 

Early this year, I have also decided to intern for Flower Bomb Media, a growing network that "combines independent, original reporting and analysis of today's trending topics with advice from influential voices, immersive interviews, and experiences, career-building tools, and powering positive change in fashion, beauty, entertainment, and the world of women." Although the topics are more creative, my responsibilities involve being aware of current trends, pitching ideas for possible stories, and working closely with my editors, to ensure that I write a well-rounded piece.

November 2021 -  January 2022

I ended my seasonal term as a sales associate for Tory Burch. Although my time was short, I personally feel that my customer service experience went better than I expected. I welcomed and hosted guests to fulfill their shopping experience. I made sure to provide direct assistance to the clients whether it was in person, or over the phone. In between client interactions and processing sales, I organized and replenished stock. Being able to interact with the clients and hearing their positive feedback towards my work ethic, was enlightening as they were very pleased by my services, just as I was pleased to develop a customer service experience. 

January 2021- May 2021

I became a Staff Reporter for the California State University Dominguez Hills newspaper, The Bulletin. As a staff reporter, I have created and presented story pitch ideas. I have also organized and conducted interviews with sources most appropriate to the story pitch. In addition, I have written and published full story articles, as long as advice editors during the copy-editing process.

May 2019 - August 2019

I worked as a food preparer at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Working in an industrial-size kitchen, I shared my responsibilities in cutting produce and restocking bins. I also prepared guests' meals such as salads, sandwiches, and desserts by displaying a seasonal presentation for each dish.

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June 2017 - August 2017

I was a summer mentor at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Youth Activities League. I worked with children from the ages of 7 to 17. My role as a mentor consisted of coordinating various arts and crafts for participants, as well as using my experience in dance and cheer to choreograph routines as the dance and cheer coach. I also authorized several field trips for groups of kids, ensuring to include different children to experience events.​​

Education

Education

Masters of Science, Communications

Concentration in Digital Media Managment

2024 / August

California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH); Carson, CA

Bachelor of Arts, Communications

Concentration in Journalism

Minor in Advertising

2022 / MAY

California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH); Carson, CA

Contact Me

Contact Me

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