This summer, the Voice of OC newsroom welcomes journalism students from both California State University Fullerton and Chapman University to continue their journalism training.
Voice of OC has been hosting interns since its founding in 2009, offering in-the-field experience to help train the next generation of journalists.
Voice of OC’s Cal State Fullerton intern, Sara Leon is a graduating Titan, having found journalism out of a love for writing.
Initially intending to go to school to become a doctor, Leon reconsidered and after talking with her sister, decided to go into journalism.
“I just wanted to find something that would help people and I’ve always been really good at writing,” said Leon.
Leon initially began at Fullerton College working at the school newspaper, The Hornet before transferring to Cal State Fullerton and taking on a leadership role at The Titan newspaper.
She is hopeful that working with Voice of OC will help her grow her portfolio and improve from the constructive environment at the nonprofit newsroom.
“I always say if you’re the best writer in the room, then you’re in the wrong room,” said Leon, adding “With Voice I feel like that, I’m not the best writer in the room and that’s where I need to be right now.”
Along with Leon, Voice of OC is also welcoming Chapman student Lauren Contreras into the summer internship program.
Contreras is one year away from graduating at Chapman, and has always had an affinity for journalism, working on her school’s yearbook program since 7th grade.
At Chapman she has already worked with Voice of OC as part of her curriculum in the English Department, reporting on school board issues and nonprofit animal organizations. She is hoping to get more into city coverage.
Contreras hopes to use her writing to give community members a voice and to advocate for clarity and honesty.
“Its really important to watch and make sure there’s transparency,” said Contreras, adding, “not many people tune into city council meetings and at a local city level that is what affects community members most.”
