Name: Hannah Louise Strong
Education: B.A. Mass Communication Winthrop University (2016)
Occupation: Reporter at the Lancaster News
Can you tell me a little bit about your current job?Â
I am the education reporter for The Lancaster News. I cover school board meetings and things going on in all schools across Lancaster County. But my job isn’t limited to education. I also cover general news, like crime and features.
What all were you involved in at Winthrop?
At Winthrop I was the social media and recruitment chair for the Association for Women in Communications, a correspondent for ESPNU Campus Connection and a staff writer for Her Campus. I also did undergraduate research on the discrimination against women in the workplace because I have a passion for women’s rights for women of all color. I had an internship at the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel during my study abroad in Dublin, Ireland and at The Herald.
What is a typical work day like for you?
I wish I could give you a typical day at work, haha, but there’s never a typical day as a reporter. Most days I come in around 9 a.m. and either start writing or doing interviews. Some days are spent covering stories back to back and hardly seeing the newsroom. Other days I’m in the newsroom all day writing. The most I’ve worked in a day is 11 hours straight (I think).
Do you have any crazy stories from work?!Â
I’ve only been at the paper for several months and could already tell so many crazy stories. The craziest, I would have to say, is the day I had to knock on the door of a registered sex offender for an interview.Â
Where do you see yourself in five years?Â
Hmmm. Well when people ask me where I see myself in five years I feel like I should say I see myself as some sort of editor. But, honestly, I can’t see myself not being “on the streets” reporting. I’m dreaming big, but I hope I can be like Helen Thomas, reporting until I’m nearly 90 years old.Â
What’s your favorite part about your job?Â
My favorite part about my job is talking with other reporters and my editor and just asking questions. They have taught me a great deal of things, and thankfully have been very patient with me as I’m still learning a lot. I also love reading their articles and columns.
What’s the one piece of advice you can give to college students?
 The one piece of advice I would give college students is to get involved on campus in an organization similar to their major. Through that they can learn a lot about themselves in that field and get experience directed at the field they want to pursue after graduation. For journalism students, write as much as you can. No matter if you’re broadcast or print, writing is equally important. Write for the Johnsonian and take articles assigned in class seriously. Speak with all parties involved in a story and paint a picture for your audience.