The Fall 2013 voyage marks a first for the Semester at Sea program with the introduction of the Global Journalism Fellows. Throughout this 111-day voyage, Fellows will work closely with the shipboard Communications Coordinator in addition to maintaining contact with their home campus newspaper. Global Journalism Fellows are required to write a minimum of one article highlighting the shipboard experience, one profile of a member of the shipboard community, and eight articles highlighting their in-port experience throughout the voyage. Fellows will also submit articles to their home campus newspaper for publication consideration.
As part of the application process, Fellows were required to provide three writing samples, a letter of recommendation from the Editor-in-Chief of their campus newspaper, and a personal statement discussing the opportunities and challenges of relying on social media for information sharing and the role of the modern journalist in an increasing digital landscape.
Meredith Carey
Home School: Southern Methodist University
Year in School: Junior
Major: Journalism
Campus Newspaper: The Daily Campus
Current Position: Arts & Entertainment Staff Writer
Meredith has been a staff writer for SMU’s The Daily Campus for the past two years. In her current role as the Arts & Entertainment writer, Rahfin Faruk, current Editor-in-Chief, describes Meredith as “one of our best writers” who “delivers the human element of a story.” In addition to her work with The Daily Campus, Meredith has also served at Co-Director of the Tale of One City, an online magazine with Dallas, TX high school students. Meredith’s portfolio includes a review of SMU’s fashion week, information regarding the opening and dedication of a new library and its’ effect on campus parking, and an evaluation of a forum regarding women’s healthcare. Meredith believes, “Journalism in the digital age relies on balance and adaptability, two skills that journalist must learn to apply to ethics, reporting, interviewing, and now social media.”
Skylar Frisch
Home School: University of Miami
Year in School: Junior
Major: Journalism
Campus Newspaper: The Miami Hurricane
Current Position: Staff Writer
In Skylar’s position as a Staff Writer for The Miami Hurricane, she has covered several groundbreaking topics including the recent tragedy at the Boston Marathon, a profile of UM alumnus’ new clothing line, and a review of a well-known UM tradition, Canes Carnival. Skylar’s contributions to her school newspaper do not go unnoticed. Newly elected Editor-in-Chief, Stephanie Parra declares Skylar’s, “input, and qualities of leadership, scholarship and service truly make her an exemplary addition to our staff.” Skylar believes, “reliance on social media provides opportunities for society to receive instant access to the news,” but “[journalists] must take on the challenge of conducting investigations on the information they receive, and do so quickly in order to keep up with societal demands.”
Lauren Vujovich
Home School: University of San Diego
Year in School: Junior
Major: Communication Arts
Campus Newspaper: The Vista
Current Position: Managing Editor
Lauren has worked for USD’s The Vista for the past two years as an Opinion Editor and a Managing Editor. In her most recent role as the Managing Editor she is responsible training new editors and writers, and for the quality control of articles prior to publication. Current Editor-in-Chief, Taylor Cabalse, describes Lauren as, “highly respected” and “extremely organized, reliable and hardworking.” Lauren’s writing portfolio includes an introspective piece on deaf culture, an analysis of a controversial Super Bowl ad, and an overview of a USD’s classroom renovations project. Lauren believes, “In order to truly understand the trade of journalism I believe you must fully immerse yourself into new experiences and try new opportunities in order to become a well-rounded writer.”
