Full Circle: From Jazz Lover to Storyteller

Interning at Capital Bop has been a deeply rewarding experience that strengthened not only my journalism skills but also my lifelong love for jazz. As an archival music lover, I’ve always held jazz close to my heart, so being fully immersed in D.C.’s vibrant jazz scene felt like coming home. I got to meet iconic drummers, curators, and artists I’ve admired for years—it was surreal and affirming to finally be face-to-face with a world I’ve respected for so long. One of my main roles was updating the audio calendar and sending it to WPFW Radio, which taught me how vital consistency and reliability are in community-centered journalism. I also developed my technical skills by filming shows, editing video, and learning to mix audio, which made me feel more confident as a multimedia journalist. My supervisor Jamie Sandel was an incredible mentor who gave me opportunities to grow behind the scenes and constantly encouraged my creativity. The entire Capital Bop team, including Giovanni Russonello and Alex Hamburger, created a space where I felt supported, trusted, and seen, not just as an intern, but as a true contributor. The internship showed me how much I enjoy music journalism and how fulfilling it is to engage with artists and audiences through storytelling. It also opened my eyes to the importance of public relations and community engagement in shaping narratives. More than anything, this experience reminded me that when you approach a space with love and respect, the work becomes that much more meaningful.