Rhoden Fellowship helped Clark Atlanta student find her voice — and her purpose — Andscape

When I first applied to the Rhoden Fellowship, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Like many young journalists, I hoped for an opportunity to tell meaningful stories, expand my skills and see my byline in places I had only dreamed of. What I didn’t know then was that this fellowship would give me so much more than professional growth – it would also give me confidence, a sense of community, and a belief in the power of storytelling.

As a Rhoden Fellow representing Clark Atlanta University, over the past year I’ve had the privilege of working alongside five brilliant and determined young women from other historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Together, we became not just a reporting team but a sisterhood. We leaned on each other through late-night edits, tight deadlines and the nerves that come with stepping into spaces where few people look like us. But we also celebrated our wins, lifted up one another and pushed each other to think bigger. They have inspired me in ways they don’t even know.

Some of my proudest moments as a Fellow came from the incredible experiences we shared and the stories I had the chance to cover.

I reported from the Celebration Bowl, where the energy of HBCU football radiated through every fan’s cheer and the halftime show. I covered ESPN’s Band of the Year championship, telling the stories behind the music, culture and community that make HBCU bands legendary. I attended the New England Patriots’ training camp, a surreal experience that allowed me to observe the team’s media landscape up close and sharpen my interviewing and reporting skills under pressure.

I also had the honor of contributing to Andscape’s HBCU homecoming coverage, a project that felt especially close to my heart. Homecoming is more than an event – it’s a celebration of history, tradition and Black excellence. Being able to capture that spirit and share it with a national audience was both a responsibility and a privilege.

Beyond the field and the press box, I found myself growing as a leader. I had the chance to lead editorial meetings, including sessions where we welcomed guest speakers who shared their insights and challenged us to think more critically about the media industry. I also represented Andscape at the HBCU Digital Media Conference, where I connected with other young creatives and spoke about the importance of authentic storytelling and representation.

None of this would have been possible without the guidance and support of so many people who believed in me and my fellow Fellows. To Rhoden Fellows coordinator Kimberly Jarvis, thank you for always advocating for us and making sure we had the resources and opportunities to thrive. To Mr. William C. Rhoden, your wisdom and passion for storytelling have been a constant source of inspiration. You didn’t just critique my work. You encouraged me to dig deeper, ask tougher questions and never forget why our stories matter. To senior HBCU editor Tasha Stewart and everyone at Andscape, thank you for mentoring us, believing in us and giving us the platform to shine.

As I close this chapter of my journey, I carry with me not just a stronger portfolio but a renewed sense of purpose. The Rhoden Fellowship has shown me that journalism is about more than just reporting. It’s about amplifying voices, building community and creating change. I am leaving this experience more confident in my abilities, more grounded in my identity and more determined than ever to use my platform to tell stories that inspire, inform and empower.

To the next class of Rhoden Fellows: Take advantage of every opportunity, embrace every challenge and speak up even when your voice trembles. Remember that our Black stories are not just important – they are essential.

Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for this journey. And thank you for helping me find my voice.