Hope Munoz, a senior at CU Boulder, joined Boulder Reporting Lab last week as a summer reporting fellow.
Munoz will cover arts and culture events, general assignment stories, write newsletter briefs and more. The fellowship is supported through a grant from the Colorado Media Project’s Advancing Equity in Local News program. Here are five questions with Munoz.
Boulder Reporting Lab: Where are you from, and how long have you been at CU Boulder?
I’m from Santa Fe, New Mexico, and I’ve been at CU Boulder for a year, after transferring from the University of New Mexico. I’ll be a senior this fall. I wanted to study at CU for a couple of reasons, mainly the school’s College of Media Communication and Information and its great journalism program. I also wanted to move somewhere with a beautiful landscape. I love seeing the Flatirons each morning.
What drew you to study journalism, and want to be a journalist?
I chose to study journalism because of my love for writing and my natural curiosity. I love learning about different events and issues happening in my area. It’s a job that is constantly changing, too, and so it’s a really engaging and ever-changing career path. I also feel there’s a need for fact-based information in today’s society. I enjoy interviewing people, telling their stories, and spreading awareness. Mainly, I like creating things that I can feel proud of, and journalism allows me to do just that.
What interested you in spending at least part of your summer with BRL?
I wanted to work at BRL because of the opportunity to work with experienced journalists and learn more about the field. One thing I specifically admire about BRL is that it’s truly local, and highlights many issues that I hear being discussed in the community, like the housing crisis and climate issues. I also admire BRL’s mission to bring free, high-quality, non-partisan news to Boulder.
What are you hoping to get out of your experience?
I’d like to grow as a journalist. I’d like gain valuable feedback and constructive criticism to improve my writing and interviewing skills. I know I will greatly enjoy the experience of working at a local news site. So overall, I hope to gain real-world experience, valuable feedback and professional growth.
What are your favorite places in Boulder and favorite things to do?
My favorites include the 29th Street Mall, Scott Carpenter Park and the CU Boulder Campus. I love going on walks/hikes, visiting the gym, shopping, going thrifting and exploring campus. During my personal time, I enjoy playing guitar, spending time with my new kitten Lucy, playing my Nintendo Switch, and seeing friends.