Brief Biography: When I was 14, I realized I wanted to read and write for a living. I did not know that dream job existed until I went to college and joined the student newspaper at the University of Rochester. For four years, I put deadlines ahead of class assignment due dates. After graduating in 2007 with degrees in English and Spanish, I decided to attend graduate school for journalism. I have two semesters under my belt and expect to graduate May 2009 with an M.A. from Mizzou.
Hometown: Rockford, Ill.
E-mail: JMBorchardt@mizzou.edu
My Career Goals: I’d like to travel overseas to report and write, but I think I want to stay stateside for a few years. My ideal post-grad job: a newspaper with the resources for in-depth, investigative reporting projects, as well as a strong commitment to the community it serves.
Why Journalism Interests Me: I call myself a “natural reporter” — I’ve always wanted to know things and tell them to others. Communication links us together, allows us to connect to pieces of the world in order to make sense of it. This most basic need to know “what’s happening” gives me hope for the future of journalism.
Other Interests: I love to travel and cook — my friends have called me Magellan and Betty Crocker on more than one occasion. Spending time outside is always fun — walking, biking, hiking, boating, swimming. Raised a Cubs and Bears fan, I like playing sports and attending games regardless of who wins or loses.
