When given the opportunity to intern at The Charlotte Observer, I jumped at the chance. At the time I was offered the internship, I had just been named Editor in Chief of the Old Gold & Black and had taken a grand total of two — maybe three — journalism classes. I was a newbie, but I was ready to learn. Finally, after my first semester of leading the OGB came to an end, I traveled an hour-and-a-half south to the Queen City, where I was named metro reporting intern.
Though the internship was remote, I was given the opportunity to travel to story sites, meet with my editor, spend time with my fellow interns and explore the city. I was in love. Even though my editor managed the breaking news and police beats, my interest in the arts, education and community news led me to most of my stories. Some of the work I am most proud of are my articles about Critical Race Theory debates at a school board meeting, my week-long coverage of the Scripps National Spelling Bee and my handful of physical and performing arts feature stories.
I owe my success at the Observer to the WFU Journalism department, as it was within one of their fateful Tribble classroom where I fell in love with the art of storytelling. After graduation, I hope to follow my passion to become an education reporter at a major newspaper. Until then, I will be working as a senior writer at the OGB, taking as many journalism classes as the registrar will allow me and soaking up every last Wake Forest memory I can.
If you are interested in reading some of the work I published this summer, feel free to browse my Muckrack account or follow the links below!
Alexandra Karlinchak
‘Disgusting … abuse of power.’ Marchers sue Charlotte, CMPD over ambush on 4th Street
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article253229018.html
Critical Race Theory fears, debate reach Charlotte-Mecklenburg School board
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/article252779853.html
Charlotte-area teenager is headed to Scripps National Spelling Bee finals in Florida
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article252410758.html
Vandalism or art? Charlotte artists share insights after an uptown mural defaced
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/entertainment/arts-culture/article252919383.html