#MeetOurAlumni: Morgan Radford, ‘12 M.S.

What does a day of reporting or storytelling look like for you, and what work are you most proud of? 

I am most proud of the stories that reflect the lived experiences of our neighbors, the concerns and feelings of communities that may not otherwise receive attention. From a concerning rise in white supremacist rhetoric among political candidates, to more unhoused Americans living in tunnels under the Las Vegas strip, stories that shine a light on otherwise neglected topics — or people — are why I have found this profession to be such a calling. 

Which CJS skill do you find yourself using most often?

My ethics training. We had a mandatory ethics course taught by Professor Richard Wald, where we learned the value of accurately selecting relevant soundbytes and reflecting fairness through tone, quantity and quality of sound. Those skills proved invaluable, and I use them every day. 

What’s the most unexpected place your CJS degree has taken you, geographically or professionally?

Perhaps not unexpected, but the most rewarding place my journalism has taken me is back to Cuba to cover the death of Fidel Castro in 2016. My father's family emigrated from Jamaica and Cuba generations ago, and I studied at the University of Havana in 2007 while Castro was still president. My upcoming debut novel, Now Then, which comes out May 5, partially takes place in Cuba right as Castro was coming to power.  Writing the novel was an act of journalism, imagination, and family history that turned out to be an unexpected joy!

What does being a Columbia Journalism School alum mean to you today?

For me, being a Columbia Journalism School alum means being an ambassador for the timeless tenets of journalism — fairness, truth and accuracy: tenets that become increasingly more important in an ever-changing media landscape.

If you could give one piece of advice to current CJS students about building a journalism career right now, what would it be?

Keep going. This is an industry where rejection is common at the start of your career, but it only takes one "yes" to change your stars. Don't be afraid to find that 'yes' — or to make it for yourself.