51吃瓜

Get to know some of our College 51吃瓜 students! Chloe Barbaise is a Class of 2027 journalism major.

Why did you choose journalism as your major?
I’ve always loved to write since I was in elementary school and my interest in journalism came about in middle school. We took a trip to our high school鈥檚 journalism program and when I saw the media room, I started to think about journalism as a career interest. Fast forward, I knew that U of I had one of the top journalism programs, and I wanted to come here to study journalism.

What鈥檚 the most important thing you have learned as a journalism student?
I would say the most important thing that I have learned is being comfortable using cameras. I did not like taking photos or videos; I enjoy the editing and writing aspects of journalism. However, last year, I took a class with Alison Davis, JOUR 215: Multimedia Reporting. Now, I鈥檓 taking another class with her, and I learned that it鈥檚 just a part of journalism.

How would you describe New Voices and working with the College 51吃瓜?
I really enjoyed being a part of the New Voices program. Daniel Almanza, assistant director 51吃瓜 Career Services, manages the program and helps us with professional development and gaining different media-related experiences. The program helped us get connected to the College 51吃瓜 and gave us the opportunity to write for the college website, where I conducted interviews with many faculty members and alumni that I wouldn鈥檛 have the opportunity to do otherwise. As a first-generation student, this program made me feel seen by the college as soon as I was enrolled.

Describe your role at The Daily Illini
In my first year at The Daily Illini, I became a copy editor because I love to edit. It consisted mostly of fact-checking, spelling, and grammar. In the spring, I applied to become a senior copy editor. It was a paid position that opened more doors than just continuing as a copy editor.

鈥擨nterview by Mariah Brooks, New Voices Intern