Emily Hedegard: Talks Struggles and Successes in Journalism

In Professor Jesse Miller’s Introduction to Journalism lecture, the class sat down with Emily Hedegard on February 7th to hear about her journey as an aspiring young female journalist. Emily, a senior at the University of New England majoring in English and Communications Media Arts, was once a student in Professor Miller’s Journalism course. She currently serves as the editor-in-chief of UNE’s student newspaper, The Bolt, and works at The Maine Monitor. Emily began her career in high school with an internship at the Portland Herald Press. Starting early in such a male dominated industry wasn’t easy, but it gave her a solid foundation. Unfortunately, despite the years that have passed, Emily hasn’t noticed a significant shift in how she is treated, she has simply adapted to it. Emily emphasizes that it’s critical for journalists to “let the facts speak for themselves” when writing a story. She notes that people often allow personal bias to unintentionally influence their work, which is something journalists must be very cautious of. Another key lesson she shared was the importance of establishing a strong relationship with your editor. It’s essential to set aside your ego because, even when the feedback feels harsh, your editor’s role is to help you improve. Editors have a vision for the story to ensure it gets the attention it deserves. They focus on improving the flow and structure, making sure it’s presented in a way that resonates with the target audience. Emily stressed that having a second set of eyes on your writing is always beneficial. Stepping outside her comfort zone early on was nerve-wracking, but Emily believes, “If you are comfortable, you aren’t doing it right.” As a writer, she encourages others to focus on capturing what they think is beautiful and important, regardless of how others may perceive it. If you believe your work is meaningful, don’t let others shake your confidence. To conclude the discussion, Emily offers wise advice for the future journalists, “Be okay with being embarrassed.”