Meet Dispatch metro desk intern Jessica Orozco: 'Always been a listener more than a talker'
I just graduated early from Ohio State and am now a metro desk intern at The Dispatch. I am very excited to learn more about the Columbus community.
Ever since I learned how to write, I haven’t stopped. Whenever I would tell someone about my love for writing, they asked me if I was writing fiction stories, but that was never the case. I would pour my heart into analyzing what was going on in my community or the world that week and loved when teachers assigned analytical or persuasive papers.
I have always been a listener more than a talker. This may have something to do with how shy I was when I was younger. Hearing people’s stories and expressing my interest in learning more was easier, and always something I enjoyed.
With my love for writing combined with hearing and sharing people’s stories, journalism became an obvious choice for a career.
What I like best about my job
I get to grow as a reporter around great people, while learning more about the community.
A story I have worked on that has had a lasting impact on me occurred in October 2021 while I was at The Lantern, the student newspaper at Ohio State. I learned that OSU Wexner Medical Center had performed its first full canal gender-affirming vaginoplasty earlier that year.
Millicent Duke, the woman who received the surgery, and I talked for almost two hours — the longest I had ever talked to a source at that point. But it didn’t feel like two hours. Duke’s story was enthralling, and I was excited to share it with our readers.
What I like to do when I’m not working
I love to spend time with family and friends, especially over a dessert or sweet treat (which I would prefer not to make).
Almost every year, my family and I go to the Lebanese Festival back home in Dayton. There’s lots of delicious food, dancing and other activities.
Not to sound like the stereotypical crazy cat lady, but I also love to cuddle and play with my cat when I am home.
In my hometown, I practice Hapkido, a Korean martial art. It’s helped me gain more confidence in myself than any other activity.
Why journalism matters
Without journalism, much of the public would remain in the dark about important information. It gives a voice to communities and people without one, and builds a bridge between officials and the public. Journalism allows people to make informed decisions and helps shape their opinions.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Jessica Orozco: Ohio State graduate interning this summer at Dispatch
