EDITOR’S NOTE: Lexington graduate Lily Braumberger, an intern at Richland Source, was the author of this story.
LEXINGTON — Gabi Morando, a 2020 Lexington alum, has found herself breaking into the field of broadcast journalism — and loving it.
Morando was chosen for the Carnegie Knight News21 program with Arizona
State University in her final semester at Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana.
“They bring top journalism students from across the country together to work on reporting initiatives,” Morando said.
After a full online semester of panel discussions, skill training, and networking, Morando and her peers went to Tempe, Arizona in June to gain more experience in broadcast journalism.
“Everyone is divided into separate reporting groups,” Morando said “Mine, specifically, looked at the increase of violence and intimidation against election workers and officials — and also the safety measures in place to protect people this coming election.”
It’s obviously a relevant topic in the wake of the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump on Saturday.
According to News21 Executive Editor Pauline Arrillaga, “Many Americans see this moment as a possible turning point in our democracy.”
Morando seized the opportunity to travel across Ohio and Michigan to interview people
on the ground at the forefront of the election process.
“It’s incredible to hear their stories,” Morando said. “Despite all the horrible things they’ve had to endure, they are so devoted to serving their country and the process that makes our country, our country.”
Morando said she took up writing a bit later in her academic career.
“I had a bit of a delayed start. Growing up I always enjoyed writing, but I never took it seriously.”
Morando’s burning passion for ballet led her to enroll at Butler University in Indianapolis, with a dance performance major.
“Ballet is one of those sports that you don’t need a degree to pursue professionally, but I wanted that backup of an educational degree in case I wanted to transition into something else,” she said.
That’s exactly what she did.
“I took an Introduction into Journalism class my second semester of my freshman year and I really loved it.”
Morando changed her major a couple of weeks later and found herself jumping at any opportunity to write — the Butler University School Newspaper, the Butler Marketing Department, and even multiple internships, including one with Richland Source in 2022, the summer between her sophomore and junior year.
“With Richland Source, I covered almost anything and everything,” she said. “Being from Mansfield, I thought I knew the area well, but when it came to writing these stories, every day I would walk into a new building and meet a new face.”
Morando stated that during the 10-week summer internship she wrote nearly 30 stories.
“It really gave me an appreciation for what journalism can do,” she said.
The art of writing, particularly in the field of broadcasting, was not lost on Morando.
“My grandmother was from South Korea, it was her dream to pursue a career in TV broadcasting,” Morando said. “Unfortunately, due to the times, women weren’t given that freedom.”
Morando’s grandmother remains her biggest inspiration, despite her passing
before the Lex grad set off for college.
“I feel like I’m doing this for her,” Morando said.
Additionally, she felt compelled to mention another significant inspiration to her, the professor at Butler University, Scott Bridge, who taught her very first journalism class.
“At the time I was looking for redirection and he really paved the way for me to
start this new chapter in my life.”
Going forward, Morando will find herself in Champaign, Illinois as a broadcast reporter.
“I had a great conversation with one of their reporters and after vetting all my options, I decided upon Champaign,” Morando said. “It felt very welcoming and like a great place for mentorship.”
Morando previously interned at Fox Station Bear in Chicago, Illinois and was excited to return somewhat close to the big city.
“Champaign is only a couple hours out of (Chicago), it’s two hours from Indianapolis, and five hours from home,” she noted. “Having that piece of mind that I have people around me that I can count on really solidified Champaign as a good place for me.”
Morando’s program at Arizona State University ends Aug. 2, and she will be moving to Champaign the first week of September.
Anticipating what her future looks like in journalism she mentioned Chicago as “the end-all be-all.”
“I’m trusting that the work that I’ve put in and continue to put in will make that chance available for me,” Morando said. “Once it is, I’ll be more than ready to jump at it.”