Ask the Alumnus | 2017 Graduates

Every year, we say “goodbye for now” to the graduating members of our high school Labs. We’ll miss their great personalities and enthusiasm, but we know these young voices will continue to develop their skills and self-confidence in journalism or in any other field they decide to pursue. We reached out to several of our past SRL Academy fellows who graduated this spring to hear their reflections and plans for the future.

Alexis Davis — 2016 SRL Fellow

Turtle Mountain Community High School in Belcourt, North Dakota

What will you remember most from SRL?

What I’ll remember most is the people I met and became close with, as well as the amazing memories made with them and throughout the process of making our video. I honestly can say I love those people so very much.

 

What SRL project are you most proud of?

The SRL project I’m most proud of is the video me and my crew made about the Dakota Access Pipeline. Not because I star in it, but because the topic of climate and my culture is so dear to me.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’m currently taking summer classes at Turtle Mountain Community College, getting my associates degree there. Afterwards, I plan to transfer to University of Florida to get my Ph.D in History. I hope to also get into their study abroad program and travel the world as I learn and conduct my own studies. I one day want to teach at an Ivy League college and eventually come back to my community, Turtle Mountain, and become a principal. My biggest goal is to teach others about my culture, come back to my community and help it prosper. Fingers crossed right?! Thank you for amazing memories I will never forget!

 

Jailen addresses the senior class at Pleasure Ridge Park’s graduation ceremony as their class president.

Jailen Leavell — 2016 SRL Fellow

Pleasure Ridge Park High School in Louisville, Kentucky

What will you remember most from SRL?

I think my most memorable moment from Student Reporting Labs is traveling to Washington, D.C. to work with 19 other motivated young storytellers from across the country. I was able to absorb so much knowledge that entire week and it’s a memory I will never forget.

What SRL project are you most proud of?

I am most proud of producing our immigration story, “Conversation club connects new arrivals to Kentucky” (which recently won a Student Emmy!). I really enjoyed working on it because I was so inspired. It was more than producing a story — it personally touched me when I was able to see and hear younger kids express their feelings about their journey of coming to America and its administration. This story had a paramount impact on my life.

What are your plans after graduation?

This fall I will attend Tennessee State University, while there I will study Liberal Arts and Communications. I plan to intern with one of the networks located in Nashville. After, I will patiently wait for my next big step. My goal is to graduate and eventually work in the broadcast journalism industry.

 

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Chloe Golan — 2015 SRL Fellow

Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High School in Miami, Florida

What will you remember most from SRL?

I would have to say that the most memorable experience from SRL was being a fellow at the 2015 SRL Academy. There I was able to build upon my basic foundation in film and journalism. Not only was I able to build upon my passion with professionals, but I also able to meet new people from across the nation and shared my filming experience, all while making friendships that will last a lifetime.

What SRL project are you most proud of?

It’s difficult for me to choose just one, because of all the amazing opportunities I had with SRL. But if I had to, I would say the tireless effort that went into the Democratic and Republican National Conventions videos from my team and I, put that experience in first place. Our true personalities really shined through the features, and went beyond the political aspect of the conventions. I felt that not only were we making a video, but we were covering a part of history.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am very excited to say that I am going to California to study film and play on the volleyball team at Santa Monica College. I am also hoping to do an internship with Snapchat at their California headquarters in Venice Beach. My years at SRL have definitely given me a head start and opened many doors. I cannot begin to thank the team for what they have done for me.

Congratulations to all of our 2017 SRL graduates! We’re so proud of all you have and will accomplish in your bright futures!