A student uses her international experiences in hope to turn them into a reality as a journalist for the Associated Press.
After her travels and research overseas, VCU student Natalie Rainer dreams of one day becomming a Foreign Correspondent for the Associated Press.
Rainer’s passion for other cultures began in high school during her first trip to Great Britain in 2010. Her experiences overseas have lead her to observe history with a broader point of view– helping her in her studies as a history minor.
The movie
Blood Diamond also influenced her to become a writer. After watching Blood Diamond, Rainer explains that she wanted bring awareness to the corruption and dirt under the radar of the diamond business.
However, a study abroad trip that Rainer participated in this past summer to Barbados was the icing on the cake for Rainer’s passion to become an underground journalist.
“The reason why I enjoyed this trip so much is because we learned more about the culture outside the class. You can’t learn about some ones culture by just reading a textbook, I got to experience it,” said Rainer.
Nevertheless, with Rainer’s class schedule this semester, along with two jobs, she doesn’t see herself traveling again until after graduation.
“Natalie is very responsible; you can count on her to get her work done. Her time management is on point, and her determination for success is wonderful. I know she will do just fine in the future”, said Myles Phelps, Rainers supervisor at work.
With the hopes of one day becoming a Foreign Correspondent for the Associated Press, Natalie Rainer also sees herself retiring as a free-lance photographer for National Geographic.