
Since childhood, I’ve been captivated by the art of storytelling. I remember watching confident, intelligent women traveling the globe, engaging with diverse voices, and presenting the news with poise. Their ability to connect with audiences inspired me to dream big. That dream led me to pursue a digital news and storytelling degree at Azusa Pacific University, where I graduated in 2018. Shortly after, I took a leap of faith and began my journalism career in Yuma, Arizona. This pivotal experience deepened my love for storytelling and fulfilled a lifelong ambition.

But my journey didn’t stop there. Earlier this year, I founded AQ Media, my freelance business created to make a broader impact within my community. With over five years of professional experience, I’ve expanded my storytelling toolkit to include videography, photography, social media management, website design, and graphic design. AQ Media is more than a business; it’s my passion project, a way to amplify unique narratives and foster connection, empowerment, and inspiration.
The Roots of My Passion

Growing up, I learned the value of discipline and creativity from my parents. My father, an engineer and valedictorian, instilled in me an unwavering work ethic. Late nights completing homework with perfect accuracy—sometimes until 2 a.m.—taught me perseverance and attention to detail. Our school projects were always a family affair. My dad pushed us to innovate, while my mom, a creative whiz, ensured our presentation boards were visually stunning. Her artistic eye is something I’ve inherited, and it’s a skill that continues to shape my work today.

While I may have resented those grueling late nights as a child, I now look back with immense gratitude. The lessons I learned from my parents have been invaluable in my career. Journalism is a fast-paced world, filled with tight deadlines, last-minute story changes, and the pressure of live broadcasts. My upbringing prepared me to thrive under these challenges, and those early lessons continue to guide me as a business owner.
Grace, Diligence, and a Journalist’s Skillset
As I reflect on my journey, three qualities have been instrumental in shaping who I am: grace, diligence, and the skill set I developed as a journalist.

Grace has allowed me to truly listen to and understand people’s stories, reassuring them that their experiences matter. This quality has been key to building trust and meaningful connections with my clients. Whether working with small businesses, nonprofits, or even animals, I strive to amplify voices that deserve to be heard.
Diligence has empowered me to manage the many responsibilities of running a small business while maintaining a full-time career. It’s not always easy, but my dedication stems from a deep love for what I do. Balancing these roles has shown me that when you’re passionate about your work, the extra effort is always worth it.

Finally, my experience in journalism has equipped me with invaluable skills: staying calm under pressure, making thoughtful yet swift decisions, and encouraging others to share their stories. These abilities have been the foundation of my success, enabling me to tackle challenges head-on and produce work that I’m proud of.
Lessons for Aspiring Storytellers
For those just beginning their journey, I offer this advice:
Cultivate Grace: Actively listen and empathize with others. The ability to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives will enrich your storytelling and deepen your connections.
Foster Diligence: Set clear goals and commit to them. Success often requires persistence and hard work, so don’t shy away from challenges.
Build a Versatile Skillset: Whether through formal education or hands-on experience, strive to learn new skills that prepare you for diverse situations. Versatility is a strength that will open countless doors.
How to Be a Better Storyteller
Storytelling is both an art and a science. To hone your craft, consider these tips:
Know Your Audience: Understanding who you’re speaking to allows you to tailor your message for maximum impact. Think about their interests, challenges, and what they value most.
Create Emotional Connections: Stories resonate when they evoke feelings. Use vivid imagery, relatable characters, and genuine emotion to draw your audience in.
Be Authentic: Authenticity builds trust. Share stories that reflect your values and experiences, and don’t be afraid to show vulnerability.
Structure Your Story: A great story has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with a compelling hook, build tension or intrigue, and conclude with a powerful resolution or takeaway.
Use Multiple Mediums: Experiment with different formats like video, photography, or written narratives to bring your stories to life. Different mediums can add depth and enhance engagement.
Practice and Reflect: The best way to improve is through practice. Share your stories often, seek feedback, and reflect on what resonates most with your audience.
Moving Forward
Through AQ Media, I’ve discovered that storytelling is more than just sharing information—it’s about creating connections, inspiring change, and celebrating the human experience. Every individual, organization, and cause has a story worth telling, and I’m honored to help bring those narratives to life.
As I look to the future, I’m excited to continue this journey, guided by the lessons I’ve mastered and the unwavering passion that first drew me to this field. Storytelling isn’t just my career; it’s my calling. And I can’t wait to see where it leads me next.
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