Michael Caples Bio

Hello, I’m Michael Caples, the Plymouth community beat reporter for our journalism class.  I grew up in Plymouth, but I as soon as I started writing articles about the city and township I realized I didn’t pay attention much before.  When I’m not consumed with my journalism classes, I do more writing and reporting with the Detroit Red Wings Web site.   Considering I want to be a sports reporter when I grow up, it’s been a dream job for me over the last few months.

When I’m not writing about sports, I’m either playing or watching or reading about sports.  I have played hockey since the tiny age of 3, and I also play baseball, basketball and golf.  Other than sports, I like to play poker, hang out with friends, play video games, and watch movies.

I have no idea what else I should put in here…haha.

Brittany Smith, Meridian Township

I hate these bio things because it’s impossible to put my whole life experience and consolidate it into a box, but it’s whatever…

I’m a sophomore at Michigan State University. I’m a journalism sophomore. My goal is to move to Chicago or New York and write for a major music/arts/culture magazine. Growing up, I was exposed to all sorts of music…r&b, 80s, Motown, pop, rap, rock, alternative, jazz, gospel, the list goes on. So don’t be surprised if you’re listening to my i-tunes library and hear the “American Gangster” soundtrack then “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Music is GREAT!!!

Born and raised in Detroit. I suppose that has shaped my view and standpoints on alot of things. I’m passionate about black issues/history. My specialty is Black American and Diasporic Studies…go figure.

Anything else you want to know about me…read the Meridian Township beat!

Shelby Szykula Bio

Shelby Szykula is a junior journalism major at Michigan State University. Throughout this semester she will be reporting on the city of Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Upon graduation she hopes to write for a history or travel magazine.

Bio

Hi, my name is Amy Al-Katib. I am 23 years old, and I am a Junior at Michigan State University’s School of Journalism. This year, I am a writer for MSU’s International magazine, and I am the secretary of Environmental Journalism Association. I am also working on a specialization in the Arabic language. When I graduate, I hope to combine my skills in Arabic and journalism as an international reporter. After a few years in this field, my plan is to focus on environmental journalism, spreading awareness.

Crystal Balogh Bio

My name is Crystal Balogh, and I am journalism and art history student at Michigan State University. I enjoy reading, writing and photography. When I’m not busy with school and work, I enjoy hanging around downtown East Lansing with my friends. My dream job would be writing for The Smithsonian Magazine in Washington D.C.

Erica Larson Bio

My name is Erica Larson and I am a sophomore Journalism major at Michigan State University. After graduating, I am hoping to write for an equestrian magazine or online publication.

I was born and raised in Massachusetts, then moved to Michigan before I began high school. I attended Howell High where I was a staff writer for the school newspaper for a year and a half. I spent the second half of my Senior year helping the newspaper adviser develop a curriculum for a unit on magazine writing for her Introduction to Journalism class. I was also on my high school’s varsity equestrian team for four years and served as captain during my Senior year.

I am an avid equestrian and have a small stable of five horses. I am an active Jumper Dressage rider and trainer, and I am hoping to break into the world of Three Day Eventing this season. I have been riding since I was 5 and hope to continue riding in the future.

Matthew Mikus Bio

My name is Matthew Mikus, and I am a journalism sophomore at Michigan State University. My journalism career began my sophomore year in high school when I joined my school yearbook. I consider myself more of a photographer than a writer. When I came to college, I realized that I wanted to study something where I can get involved with other people on a daily basis. What other job gives you the chance to cover crime, sports or talk to people about their everyday lives?

One of my goals as a journalist is to tell stories. I have always enjoyed hearing about unique people or unusual events. I sometimes meet new people and think to myself “I wonder what made this person who they are today?” It seems cliché, but if you think about it, no two people have the exact same experience or lifestyle. As a writer, I hope to someday write a novel. I’m not sure what it will be about, but I am pretty sure I can think of something.

Danielle Emerson Bio

Hello Charlotte (and others viewing this blog from various areas around MSU)! My name is Danielle, and I’m a sophomore at Michigan State University going for a double-degree in journalism and political science. I’ve always enjoyed writing, but my love/hate relationship with politics has grown in the past few years. It was towards the end of my freshman year that I decided I was intrigued enough by politics that I wanted to pursue more of it. I’m hoping to one day be a policy analyst or report from the White House. I prefer print journalism to broadcast, so I doubt any of you will be seeing me on TV. But you never do know…

Stephanie Defever Bio

I am Stephanie Defever and writing is my passion. I am currently a junior at Michigan State University, studying journalism. I have enjoyed journalistic writing since I was a freshman in high school and would have never realized it is what I wanted to do with the rest of my life if it were not for my amazing adviser who recognized my talent and pushed me to study reporting and writing. MSU was the only university I applied to because they have a great journalism program. I was accepted into the School of Journalism this past fall and plan on graduating with honors in 2009. I have been involved with the Red Cedar Log Yearbook for the past three years and am an editor this year. For my current journalism course I am reporting on Williamstown Township, a rural area with a hometown feel.