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Rosa Maria Santana
Reporter
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Rosa Maria Santana
rosa maria santana
Rosa Maria Santana
Reporter
The Plain Dealer,
Cleveland
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist because I wanted to make a difference. I felt that as a Latina who spoke Spanish well enough to communicate, I could help people by writing stories on their lives, aspirations, struggles.
What's your favorite story?
I don't have one particular favorite. I think, in general, I enjoy writing stories that help people, stories that make others aware of what people in their community are doing to make a difference.
What's the fun part of your job?
I really enjoy meeting all sorts of different people. That's really fun. Helping people is fun too. Writing a government story and making it easy enough so that people can understand what's happening at their local City Hall is fun, too.
What's the hardest part of your job?
Writing tragic stories, where a child or an innocent person is violently killed. Also, talking to families who have endured such life tragedies is incredibly difficult.
If you weren't a journalist, what would you do?
I'd be a lawyer or judge.
How has technology (like the Web) changed the way you work?
The Web has helped me get information quickly. I've been able to access Web sites that have helped me immensely when I'm facing a deadline.
How do you stay objective when you're writing about things you care about?
I don't think objectivity is realistic for any human being. Journalists are people, too. What I strive for is fairness and balance. That is something I could strive for every day, with every story.
How do you handle deadline pressure?
Pretty well. I think I'm used to it. I try to stay as focused on my task as possible. And, I try to exercise discipline in prioritizing all I need to get done.
What advice do you have for an aspiring journalist?
Read, read, read. That's the best thing you can do for yourself. And be persistent. This business rewards persistent, tenacious people. Believe in yourself.