I first learned of Voice of America when Steve Herman, who is currently VOA’s chief national correspondent, spoke to my college international journalism class. He spoke on press freedoms and the field of journalism, and I decided to apply to VOA’s internship program because I admired its mission to report without bias.
It was not until I began working at VOA that I understood the extent to which it served as a crucial media source throughout the world, particularly through language services. Though my journalistic pursuits have mainly been in print, my time at VOA has expanded my interest and skills in broadcast and video journalism. I have had the chance to film and produce social media standups and television packages, write web articles, and report and research for the Indonesian language service.
I was lucky enough to be in VOA’s New York Bureau which allowed me to cover stories in one of the U.S.’s largest hubs for news and culture. Learning from supervisors and reporters as they worked on coverage for the 2024 U.S. election while also independently covering my own stories has enhanced my confidence in and passion for journalism. Though the future of journalism is unclear, I feel my time at VOA has prepared me to adapt to the changing field and world for which I am beyond grateful.
About June: June is a rising senior at Pomona College studying Public Policy Analysis with a concentration in Politics. This upcoming academic year, she will serve as managing editor of news and sports at her college publication, and as a fellow for the CalMatters College Journalism Network. She is originally from Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi.