Student: Reyna Crooms
East Carolina University senior Reyna Crooms’ passion for journalism began in a high school classroom and is now carrying on as she prepares to graduate in May.
Crooms grew up dancing, and even danced as part of the ECU Club Dance team. “I wanted to find a career and something that inspired me outside of dance,” she said. She was able to tour a news station and produce news segments for her school, which further inspired her love for journalism.
East Carolina University senior Reyna Crooms found her group of Pirates with the ECU Club Dance Team. (Contributed photo)
She chose ECU because of the diversity on campus and athletic programs. Crooms aimed to find a good group of people. “I didn’t want to be surrounded by just one type of person,” she said.
“There are a lot of opportunities to get experience while at ECU,” Crooms said. She worked on The East Carolinian for a year and a half. While writing for the student newspaper, she reported on arts and entertainment as well as sports.
Crooms has also had articles published in Countenance, an award-winning feature magazine produced by School of Communication students.
Because of the amazing professors and real-world experience she has gained, Crooms feels ready to begin her career. While applying to jobs and internships, Crooms said “I could almost hear my professor’s voices in my head.
“The student body of ECU is so supportive, and the school is so diverse, you can talk to anyone,” she said. “I can learn from not just my professors, but also my peers. Everyone is willing to share their experiences.
“ECU has opened my eyes in a positive way,” said Crooms. “I feel equipped for the real world.”
Over the summer, Crooms interned at WALTER Magazine and WNCN in Raleigh. Through these internships, she learned to shoot, edit and write scripts, helped with photo and video and supported reporters.
“I was able to go into the community with the reporters,” she said. “I met so many different types of people. That is another reason why I love journalism, it is so fun getting to learn more about other people.”
While at ECU, Crooms danced with the club dance team, and became team manager after breaking her ankle while dancing. She also participated in a mentorship program called ECU Queen in You.
“I helped mentor young girls on how to be their best self,” Crooms said. In this program she participated in service projects and weekly meetings, and even served as the volunteer chair and social coordinator.
After graduation, Crooms plans to work as a reporter, and wants to become a news anchor. She also wants to explore an interest in real estate and could also see herself continuing with dance in some way, as she wants to keep that as part of her life.
Crooms interned at WALTER Magazine and WNCN in Raleigh. (Contributed photo)
STATISTICS
Name: Reyna Crooms
College: College of Fine Arts and Communication
Major: Communication with a concentration in journalism
Age: 21
Classification/Year: Senior
Hometown: Apex, North Carolina
Hobbies/interests: I love to travel, dance, get outside and spend time with family and friends.
Clubs and Organizations: ECU Club Dance, ECU Queen In You, The East Carolinian
FAVORITES
Favorite hangout: The beach
Favorite place on campus: The mall
Favorite places to eat: Primo Pizza in Cary and Tropical Smoothie
Favorite class: Multimedia journalism
Professors who influenced you the most: Dr. Mary Tucker-McLaughlin and Dr. Glenn Hubbard
Favorite TV show: “Selling Tampa”
Favorite band/musician: Ariana Grande
Favorite movie: “Twilight”
Favorite app: Pinterest
MOTIVATIONS
Dream job: Anchoring/ reporting for a national news network
Role models: My family
Your words to live by: “Everything always works out.”
What is something cool about ECU that you wish you knew during your first year? I wish I knew just how many kinds of people attended the university. ECU has so many kinds of people you can really find your circle and learn something new every day. Before I came to college, I was worried about finding a good group of friends and people I can surround myself with. ECU has given me the opportunity to learn from others and grow within myself.