Liliana Rodriguez

What led you to your decision to major in journalism at Illinois?

Since high school, I knew I wanted to be in front of the camera and behind the mic. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and connecting with people. Although my high school didn’t offer journalism or broadcasting classes, I took initiative by contributing to the school newspaper and reporting on football games. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what journalism was, but that experience confirmed my interest to pursue journalism as a career path. Choosing journalism at Illinois felt like a natural next step.

During freshman orientation, I toured Richmond Studio and saw firsthand the professional resources available to journalism students. The newsroom and industry-standard equipment reassured me that I would have the opportunity to gain real, hands-on experience early on. Ultimately, Illinois stood out because of the opportunities it offered and the experiences I knew I could gain here.

What journalism course has been the most valuable to you?

The most valuable course I’ve taken is JOUR 340: Video Reporting and Storytelling with senior lecturer Alison Davis. In this class, I developed practical skills in writing, producing, and presenting video content in a way that is both informative and engaging. Overall, the class helped me grow as both a communicator and storyteller. More importantly, the course reinforced my confidence in pursuing journalism as a career.

What has your experience been like in Fighting Illini Productions?

I currently hold a video production internship at Fighting Illini Productions. Through this internship, I’ve gained hands-on experience in television production and had the opportunity to work with the Big Ten Network’s StudentU, where I was able to serve as an analyst for Illinois softball and provide live commentary during games. Through Fighting Illini Productions, I’ve strengthened my skills both on and off camera within my area of interest in sports media production. I also had the opportunity to intern with the Chicago Sky this past summer, which further expanded my professional experience and network.

What are your career goals after graduating from Illinois, and how has the College of Media helped prepare you for them?

After graduating, I plan to continue pursuing a career in sports and entertainment media, ideally in a role that allows me to be on camera and engage directly with audiences. While sports media has always been my primary interest, my experiences in the College of Media have encouraged me to explore other areas of journalism, including science journalism, media law, and business reporting. Opportunities to interview music and entertainment groups helped me realize that my interests extend beyond sports and into the broader entertainment industry. My long-term goal is to work in a role where I can interview celebrities and influential figures, particularly at major events such as award shows.

The College of Media has prepared me for this path by providing hands-on experience in video production, editing, and storytelling. I’ve developed technical skills using Adobe platforms, as well as experience in photography and audio editing. Just as importantly, I’ve grown more confident in my ability to communicate with others and navigate professional environments. Overall, Illinois has played a key role in shaping both my development as a journalist and my growth as an individual. I’m truly so grateful.

What advice do you have for incoming journalism students?

My biggest piece of advice is to enjoy the moment and to not get too caught up in the pressure. It’s easy to become overwhelmed trying to find the perfect story, secure sources, or worry about whether your work will be accepted. It’s important to remember that professors are there to support you, whether helping you find a new angle or reaching out to a source. The College of Media really tries to understand and engage with their students. Because the College of Media is relatively small, students have many opportunities to build relationships with professors and receive one-on-one support. Sometimes all you need to do is take a step back and breathe. Time goes by faster than you think—I can’t believe I’m already a senior preparing to graduate. Make the most out of your undergraduate experience and have fun!

—Interview by Alexa Camacho Villicana, New Voices Intern