Megan McCourt

Megan McCourtI knew I had a future in writing after winning a national poetry contest in fifth grade sponsored by Southwest Airlines. A man wearing an airplane suit came to school to deliver my award - a coloring book, inflatable airplane hat and two packs of salted peanuts.

It was my first indication that writing was not going to be a financially lucrative career.

After joining the school newspaper my freshman year at Homestead High School in Cupertino, Calif., I was immediately hooked on journalism. While serving as news editor, I covered student suicides, an accidental death, a code-red school lockdown and a teacher arrested for sleeping with students. It was a small introduction to the excitement and tragedy in news writing.

Now in my senior year at California State University, Chico, I've become accustomed to daily tragedies and shocking stories. I've worked as a reporter and features writer for our Pacemaker award-winning newspaper, The Orion, and served as president of our chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Last summer, I interned for the Chico Enterprise-Record. My stories incited community controversy, I received death threats from an angry parolee and the mayor yelled at me for asking tough questions. I discovered if you're not making people angry, you're probably not doing your job right.

I'm excited to be in Washington and to have the opportunity to experience drama on a national level.

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Reach Megan McCourt at shws4@shns.com or 202-326-9871