THE WAY YOUR STORY IS TOLD CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
My love for storytelling began underneath the moonlight in Sierra Leone, West Africa.
After the cooking was done, dishes washed, and the compound swept, the older women gathered on benches and the steps leading into our compound to share stories. A small oil lamp, or the moon, were the only sources of light. From life lessons to witchcraft to church stories, from wartime stories to the love life of our neighbors—these women discussed it all. These conversations sometimes lasted into the morning. My mother allowed me to stay up late on weekends, and on these occasions, to my immense joy, I was allowed to participate in the discussions and talk about school, friendships, or my dreams. This was my introduction to storytelling.
So, it’s no surprise that my passion for storytelling has led me down the path of narrative journalism in audio and print.
As someone born and raised in a society that much of western media has deemed "third world" or "uncivilized," I’ve become curious about how people defy the narratives that have been written for them. I believe everyone has a story to tell, and how that story is told is important. Too often, unless the person is someone society deems "important," her story goes unheard. I use journalism to bridge that gap.
I have an MFA in Journalism, with a concentration in Literary Reportage from New York University. I am a Staff Sergeant in the Army National Guard.
I hope you find a story on my website that resonates with you…