Every child loves a good bed time story. The 10 o’clock news was my bed time story. Forget the Bernstein Bears and Dr. Seuss; I wanted 30 minutes of San Antonio’s finest news team, Randy Beamer and Deborah Daniels. Sixteen years later, Daniels has retired and I call Austin my home now, but that insatiable appetite for news lives on.
Education
Initially, I attended University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio on a scholarship. However, I got bored with the dry class selection and slow paced lifestyle of San Antonio. Fall 2006, I loaded up my car and began my studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Unsure of what to major to study, I decided to enroll in the College of Liberal Arts because of its vast choice in degree plans. But after a year of “academic exploration”, I suddenly had the urge to study journalism, realizing it seemed like the perfect field for my restless spirit.
Job Experience
Although I lack any prior experience in journalism, I’m eager to learn and contribute to the craft. This summer I hope to find an internship of some sort, hopefully for a news publication or maybe even a non-profit organization. Currently, I work at a local hair salon answering phones in order to earn some extra money. Sometimes, I volunteer for Planned Parenthood in San Antonio during the summer, completing an assortment of clerical tasks.
Hobbies
When I’m not busy perfecting my nut graph or studying my AP Style Book, I enjoy hanging out with my girlfriend, Sally, exploring Austin, throwing back Coke Zero’s, watching my San Antonio Spurs, and reading Gilbert Arenas' blog. If the opportunity presents itself, I’m always up for a game of Trivial Pursuit.
Thoughts on the Future of Journalism
As news shifts its focus to the online medium I welcome the chance to play a role in its continuous development. Moreover, I’m excited to be a part of this new breed of journalism, with its limitless possibilities and ever-changing content.
Career Aspirations
Where do I see myself in five years? I would like to get a job as a staff writer or contributor for a sports publication. In a perfect world, I would be Bill Simmons’ replacement on ESPN.com once he retires. (Hey, it doesn’t hurt to dream.)
AustZine is an in-class project produced in Spring 2008 by the students
of J321 Fundamentals of Multimedia Journalism at the School of Journalism of the University of Texas at Austin. Questions or comments:rosentalves@mail.utexas.edu