The classes that graduating senior Catherine Schofield took at the Reynolds School of Journalism allowed her to practice new skills and feel free to make mistakes. Through this learning approach, Schofield found success in her academics and has been named the Reynolds School’s Spring 2022 Senior Scholar.

“Doing the best work that I could was more important to me than getting good grades,” Schofield said. “But I’ve been fortunate enough that my professors have worked with me so that I was able to achieve a high GPA as well.”

Before working with Reynolds School professors, Schofield found her passion for journalism when she took a broadcasting class at Paradise High School. There, she was a part of the team who worked on the school’s daily news bulletin, and she produced stories for a monthly broadcast. 

After high school, Schofield decided to attend the University of Nevada, Reno as it was the ideal distance from her hometown of Paradise, California, to live close to home and still gain independence. She saw the Reynolds School as the perfect place to strengthen her journalism abilities.

“Every class that I had taught me something new about journalism, and every professor had their own advice on how to create your own path,” Schofield said. “I’ve had so many doors open because of the connections I have been able to make here.” 

One class that stood out to Schofield was Journalism 425: Audio, Radio, Podcast & Beyond. It was this class that showed her what working in radio was like and allowed her to get a story she produced published by KUNR Public Radio. 

“I’ve loved making podcasts since I took this class, and without it I probably wouldn’t know what I want to pursue as a career,” she said.

A professor that helped Schofield figure out her path was Lecturer of Digital Media and Cross-Cultural Reporting Nico Colombant. She chose professor Colombant as her mentor because of his impressive journalism career and the support that he gave her as a student in his classes.

“Professor Colombant has given me a lot of advice that’s helped shape the way that I go about my work and the choices that I make as a journalist,” she said. 

After finding her passion in many aspects of media while at the Reynolds School, Schofield hopes to find a job in podcasting, audio news or social media management. She has plans to work as a camp counselor at a summer camp in Southern California after graduation and then moving to Colorado to pursue her career. 

“I don’t know what I’ll be doing yet,” Schofield said. “I’m looking forward to continuing my work in a new place and getting new experiences!”