Charles' Portfolio

Thousands march through Hollywood, protest foreign conflicts

It starts with a breaking-news peg. Then it combines conflict and human interest from a local angle. I did the reporting, writing and photography. Writing the story on the train-ride home, it was published online the same day. I recieved a reporter of the week award.

Boys and Girls Club given donation

Here is a soft news story. My final for fall 2010. The editors rejected this idea. Then left it with me. I thought writing it would be great PR and a chance to work on basic interviewing and writing skills.

Conference inspires future leaders

The first sentence is the focus. The rest are quotes, facts and information that support the focus. Media executives I wanted to work for were sources. One said to forget finding a job in journalism using a resume, cover letter and portfolio out of school. That doesn't work like it used to.

A love letter to Fullerton sent from a photo lens

I wanted to write this story because I liked photography. After writing it I loved and cared about photography. The fourth paragraph is a notably creative nut graph.

The survival of vinyl records

Even though this article appeared in print, it's a good example of online writing. The idea came to me after seeing DJ Lime Green swap vinyl records through a live performance. My editor approved of the idea. DJ Lime Green is now a successful music producer.

Men's Basketball prospers on the shoulders of a star power forward

I was intrigued by a starting forward from Compton, Calif., my hometown. A sports editor okayed a profile. During the interview with the athlete, Monica Quan asked us to talk outside the gym.

Anti-slavery activists fight to replace current human trafficking law

I wrote an anecdotal lead that enticed readers to keep reading. Then a striking nut graph. This article is currently used in the fight against human trafficking.