The Signal’s own Managing Editor and News Editor, Miranda Hamm, (senior, Communication Studies) has been awarded the Karen Onstad Outstanding Student Scholarship from the Sacramento Alliance for Women in Media.
Hamm was chosen to receive the $2,000 scholarship by a panel of five judges whose titles ranged from a Multicultural Media Relations Representative for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company to a Morning News Anchor for the KFBK News in Sacramento, along with other various members of the Sacramento Alliance for Women in Media.
“This definitely came as a surprise to me,” Hamm said. “I almost didn’t apply for it. I was emailed the application in December, submitted the application in January and found out at the beginning of February.”
According to Hamm, the application process consisted of submitting her official transcript, sending a recommendation letter, filling out the actual application and answering four essay questions.
One of the essay questions asked Hamm to show what she had done outside of the classroom that demonstrated qualities employers desire,which of these qualities meant the most to her and why.
“The most important quality I feel I have shown is determination,” Hamm said.
“From attending a school that does not offer a broadcast program and creating my own opportunity, to commuting to Sacramento at 3:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday to be a part of the KCRA 3 morning shows, my determination to be a future reporter or anchor in this business exemplifies my hardworking nature that I will take with me to any future job opportunities.”
Hamm also had the opportunity to attend a luncheon where ABC News10 anchor Cristina Mendonsa facilitated a discussion titled “Educate Yourself About Education.”
Mendonsa has been a news anchor since 1990 and has won two Emmy Awards in broadcasting throughout her career in journalism.
“It was such a great experience,” said Hamm. “I was in a room filled with people who work in the Sacramento market. Cristina Mendonsa facilitated the discussion and prior to the start, she sat at my table in the front and it was like I got to have lunch with her.”
After graduation, Hamm hopes to work in entertainment news as an anchor, co-host, reporter or correspondent.
“Hopefully [I can become] the next Giuliana Rancic,” Hamm said.