Here are a handful of articles I wrote for the Washington Post. In writing them, I learned a lot -- about people, the art of storytelling, and (in my more cringeworthy moments: see bottom of page) the indelibleness of the internet.
Reunited -- And It Feels So Good? (WaPo: October 8, 2006) Why do we submit ourselves to the awkwardness otherwise known as High School Reunions? I tagged along to a 20-year High School Reunion to find out.
Whose Holiday Is It, Anyway? (WaPo: October 27, 2006) I spent days camped out in costume shops, trying to discern the true appeal of Halloween by observing and talking to adult shoppers as they fished for the right accoutrements. Disclaimer: I have never, and never will, worn a “sexy kitten” costume. (My go-to is 'Fat Guy in a Little Coat' from Tommy Boy.)
This Is For Charity? (WaPo: January 21, 2007) An exploration of the new face of charity, as embodied by DC SMASHED. The acronym stands for Society of Mature Adults Seeking to Help, Educate and Donate—although as the name suggests, the “D” could also stand for Drink.
Just Friends? (WaPo: June 1, 2008) The idea for this story came about as I was gossiping with my editor about the latest frustrations in my life—namely, the maddening crush I had on a long-time friend. We realized that this is a pretty common frustration, so I put my pride on the line and tackled this one from a 1st person perspective. The article landed a spot on WashingtonPost.com’s most emailed of the day list.
Are You Ready For Some Foosball? (WaPo: April 29, 2007) I got wind of a burgeoning foosball scene in the Northern Virginia region, so I went to see for myself what this old-school rec room game meant to today’s adults.
Fundraising profiles:
Some of my favorite work was writing profiles for columnist John Kelly as part of his biannual fundraising campaigns. The campaigns raised money for low-income families, and the funds went to help them cover the cost their children’s medical bills and summer camp. I loved figuring out what made each of these children unique—looking beyond the uniform sadness of their situation and instead zooming in on what made them deeply colorful, lively individuals.
Amid the Banter, A Family Takes Form: This is one of my favorite profiles, featuring a charismatic 17-year old dialysis patient. I loved observing life in the dialysis unit, hearing the banter and seeing how deeply entrenched the patients and nurses were in each other’s lives.
Even Ordinary is Extraordinary: This is the story of Maqueis, a beautiful 14-year old girl who was battling cancer.
On the Road to Camp, Finding Friendship's Beat: I took a bumpy 2-hour bus ride with a bunch of eager kids on their way to camp. Note about the 7-year old who whispered she had to go to the bathroom: She finally went. While still on the bus. While sitting in my lap.
Brother's Family Grows in Unusual Ways: This one’s about the blurred line between families—for me, seeing the tenderness, selflessness and struggle that went into forging a new familial blend was riveting.
With Help from Children's, Hope Has No Limit: This was a really inspiring interview with parents of a smart, lively Down’s Syndrome child, in which they talk about the critical distinction between teaching to their daughter’s potential, rather than to her diagnosis.
Random selection of Post pieces that I found links to:
Middleburg Woman Pursues Fashionable Ambitions (WaPo: February 13, 2005)
Fun and Games First, Life Lessons Later (WaPo: May 11, 2006)
At Your Service (WaPo: November 28, 2006)
No Bee-Average Grades Here (WaPo: March 24, 2005)
For Purcellville Designer, an Extreme Makeover (WaPo: March 23, 2006)
Soccer On A Smaller Scale (WaPo: May 5, 2005)
Raise A Glass With Class (WaPo: May 27, 2007)
Pick It Up, Sister (WaPo: February 6, 2007)
Surviving A Mugging (WaPo: December 24, 2006)
Stuffed Shirts (WaPo: August 20, 2006)
A Glimpse of Home (WaPo: November 18, 2007)
Bragging Right (WaPo: May 13, 2007)
Burn Calories, Not Bridges: Office Gym Etiquette (WaPo: March 23, 2008)
The Art of Small Talk (WaPo: February 10, 2008)
One Way Or Another (WaPo: July 29, 2007)
Off The Cuff Is On The Mark For Laughs (WaPo: March 23, 2005)
Anxious Students Brace for New SAT (WaPo: March 9, 2005)
In Children's Artwork, Hope Lives (WaPo: January 22, 2006)
Diversifying The Leadership Pool (WaPo: June 8, 2006)
Sewing For Kids (WaPo: September 24, 2006)
Most embarassing thing I've ever written:
Does Fido Hate Your Date? (WaPo: February 12, 2005)
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
