“How do you know so many people?”
Whether it’s working with peers in a journalism course or at The State News, Michigan State University’s award-winning independent student newspaper, I’ve been asked this countless times.
It’s a testimony to my greatest strength: forming connections. Professionally, but also personally, I bring relatability, reliability and compassion to the table.
My ability to form meaningful connections allows me to listen to stories that matter. And the stories that matter are the stories we hear about, every day — the seemingly ordinary things that have a profound impact on our lives.
That’s why I am a journalist. I want to tell those stories that matter.
I’m a student at Michigan State University, studying at the Honors College, College of Communication Arts and Sciences and James Madison College.
I’m a part of MSU’s School of Journalism, where I’m enrolled in a master’s of arts program. It’s a dual enrollment program that combines my undergraduate and graduate studies. My undergraduate major is political theory and constitutional democracy with a minor in history.
I will graduate in December 2023 (3.5 years) with a master’s and bachelor’s degree.
My end goal, however, is law school. Then, perhaps, a career in political commentary or investigative journalism, with an interest in policing and sexual violence.
From January 2021 to July 2022, I was The State News’ Cops and Courts Reporter covering policing, city government and politics while conducting longer investigations. Since August 2022, I switched roles at The State News and I now hold the position of Deputy City Desk Editor and Senior City Reporter, continuing long-form investigative reporting while mentoring junior and staff reporters on the desk.
In my free time, I am an avid reader, specifically of comic books. My favorite series include “Justice League Dark,” “Sandman,” any “Batfamily” title and so much more. I enjoy bigger titles like Marvel and DC and indie titles like “Blackbird.”
Apart from the State News, I work at the Honors College, as a Communications Associate from January 2022 to August 2022, and now I assist the Honors College with organizing events and other administrative duties as their Leadership and Community Engagement Associate.
I am a competitor and assist with communications/public relations on the Debate Team, also housed within the Honors College. And, I hold numerous leadership positions in the college. Notably, as Vice President of the Dean’s Advisory Council and as a member of the Inclusive Excellence Strategic Committee.
Feel free to look around my website. Get to know me a little.
If you have any inquiries, email me at wajeehakamal2002@gmail.com.
Have fun scrolling!
