The Charger Blog
Amanda Castro Ӱԭ22 shares how her time at the University of New Haven shaped her love for journalism, preparing her for a fast-paced role covering the 2024 election for Newsweek.
January 21, 2025
When Amanda Castro Ӱԭ22 graduated from the University of New Haven, she already had a clear direction for her career in journalism. Fast forward to today, and sheӰԭs making her mark as part of NewsweekӰԭs team, including live blogging throughout the 2024 presidential campaign.
For Amanda, this role isnӰԭt just a milestoneӰԭitӰԭs a culmination of her passion, hard work, and the foundation laid during her time at the University.
ӰԭI was moving on from another job, wanting to expand my horizons,Ӱԭ Amanda shared. ӰԭWhen Newsweek caught my eye, I dived right in. I had experience with live blogging, so it felt like the perfect fit. And with a , itӰԭs been exciting to tap into that knowledge while covering the election.Ӱԭ
The role came with its challenges, especially during the height of election season. AmandaӰԭs typical day started at 7 a.m., creating blog posts on trending topics such as polling data, political ads, and key candidates.
ӰԭIt was intense but rewarding,Ӱԭ she said. ӰԭPolling averages and demographic shifts fascinated me, especially understanding what issues mattered most to voters and why.Ӱԭ
For Amanda, one of the most valuable lessons sheӰԭs learned is the importance of staying focused on her own journey. ӰԭIӰԭve hammered into my head not to spend time looking over my shoulder to compare myself to others. ItӰԭs about focusing on my goals and staying consistent in my work.Ӱԭ
Amanda credits much of her success to her experiences at the University of New Haven. ӰԭMy love for journalism was cultivated, nurtured, and cared for by Professor Susan Campbell,Ӱԭ she said. ӰԭShe helped me grow as a writer and journalist, and IӰԭll always be grateful for that.Ӱԭ
During her time at the University, Amanda was active with the and was its managing editor during her last two years.
ӰԭThe experience taught me how to lead a team, meet deadlines, and produce quality work,Ӱԭ said Amanda who branched out beyond the Bulletin, creating a student-run magazine.
ӰԭFounding the Charger Bulletin Magazine, now called the Horseshoe Magazine, gave me a love for long-form writing,Ӱԭ she said. ӰԭItӰԭs ironic because now I do short-form blog posts, but thatӰԭs the beauty of journalismӰԭyou get to explore every corner of the field.Ӱԭ
AmandaӰԭs time at the University went beyond learning technical skills. It was about discovering her voice and the kind of journalist she wanted to be. ӰԭThe education I received at the University was unmatched,Ӱԭ she said. It set me up for the diverse opportunities IӰԭve had in my career so far.Ӱԭ
She encourages current students to take advantage of the resources and co-curriculars available. ӰԭJoin the school paper, write for any campus publications, and stay active in the field.Ӱԭ
As Amanda looks to the future, sheӰԭs focused on growthӰԭboth personally and professionally. ӰԭIӰԭm a huge advocate for print media, even though it likely wonӰԭt last forever,Ӱԭ she says. Journalism is about adapting to changes while staying true to what you love.Ӱԭ
Editing is another area Amanda hopes to expand into. ӰԭI love getting into the nitty-gritty of proofreading and giving feedback,Ӱԭ she said. ӰԭIf I get the chance to focus on editing or even write opinion pieces on entertainment, that would be amazing.Ӱԭ
Reflecting on her journey, Amanda emphasized the importance of finding a supportive community, something she experienced at the University of New Haven. ӰԭThe professors, the Charger Bulletin, and the connections I made all helped me grow into the journalist I am today. I wouldnӰԭt trade that experience for anything,Ӱԭ she said.
Amanda has one final piece of advice to share with current students: ӰԭFocus on your goals and keep moving forward,Ӱԭ she said. ӰԭDonӰԭt let setbacks discourage you.Ӱԭ
Her journey is just beginning, Amanda said. ӰԭIӰԭve learned to embrace every part of journalism, from short-form blogs to long-form narratives. Each step has shaped me,Ӱԭ she said. ӰԭAnd IӰԭm excited to see whatӰԭs next.Ӱԭ
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