SJMC Students Amplify Voices of Uvalde Victims' Families

Sierra Albrecht

• About Sierra's Experience

  As a journalist, being chosen to be a part of such an opportunity came with gratefulness and nervousness. This story became more than just a story to me as I had the opportunity to speak with families as they recounted the most difficult day of their lives. Telling their stories in a way that our team brought to life was truly an incredible experience to be a part of. This was my senior project and I am beyond proud of the time, work and effort that has been contributed by all team members. I am appreciative of all the families and others affected for making this possible. 

Georgina Barahona

• About Georgina's Experience

  My trip to Uvalde was marked by a profound mix of emotions. As a student studying journalism, this story was the most important project that I’ve been apart of. It has been a great honor to go through this experience. I felt nervous as soon as I signed up and I knew that no matter the challenges, I would get through this with the supportive team we had on. Through interviews with affected families, I witnessed the raw courage and unwavering solidarity that emerged amidst their darkest of times. Their stories became a testament to the power of human spirit and the importance of empathy in healing. As I reflect on my time in Uvalde, I’m reminded of the unity and strength a community has when it’s needed most. I thank all the families for allowing the time and space to speak with us. 

Victoria Greenhaw

• About Victoria's Experience

  The Uvalde trip I took with Professor Dino Chiecchi and my peers was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. At first, I was nervous to have this opportunity but then as I was going through this process I realized that I have grown so much as a person and as a student. I really could not have accomplished what I have without the vulnerability of the individuals that were willing to speak with us. The people who were on the team made this experience rewarding. Having the emotional support system was amazing. I am proud of everyone and the work we have accomplished. 

Madison Jones

• About Madison's Experience

  As a journalism student, this was the most eye-opening experience I have had since I decided that journalism was the path I wanted to take. I was nervous at first, however, I am eternally grateful that I was chosen to be a part of this team because of the life-long hold that it will have on my heart and mind. I can't thank my team and my professor enough, none of this would have been possible without their help, guidance, and support. I also want to thank the families that so graciously allowed me and my team to sit down and get to know them and their stories, your words will never be erased from my mind.  

Elissa Jorgensen

• About Elissa's Experience

  Twice now I have had the privilege of interviewing families and community members for the Uvalde project. I graduated from Texas State in May 2023 and chose to continue my education with the master's program at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, being driven by my work on these stories. There is nothing that has been more pivotal for my journalism career and growth as a professional. These experiences have driven me to understand the significance of telling stories of those who can no longer have a voice themselves. The strength of both my reporting team and the individuals we talked to is nothing short of amazing, and I thoroughly believe that Uvalde’s story will always have a place in my heart.

Ezekiel “Zeke” Ramirez

• About Zeke's Experience

  I never thought I would make my way back to Uvalde once again. Having the opportunity to take on the role as the videographer and contribute to this project was such an honor. Ever since the first story I covered, I felt like it was my responsibility to do everything in my power to help the families of Uvalde. I’m so proud of my team for putting this all together and for believing in themselves even when things got rough. Being a journalist isn’t always easy, and I thank the families of Uvalde for allowing us to be their voice and tell their stories through our words. I have said this before and I’ll say it again, they are some of the strongest people I’ve ever met, and I pray that they accomplish the goals they have set for their future.

Dylan Roddy

• About Dylan's Experience

  It was an honor and privilege being a part of this wonderful team of student journalists. Each story is not just a byline but a journey, an opportunity to bring light on the untold, the overlooked and the impactful. When covering stories like this I feel a profound sense of pride. It's more than reporting facts; it's about reporting the very essence of humanity and fostering understanding. I will carry this experience with me always. I want to thank the Uvalde community for believing in young journalists. 

Riley Patrick

• About Riley's Experience

  Speaking to the sole survivor from Classroom 111 at Robb Elementary will stick with me for the rest of my life. In the weeks leading up to the interview, I did endless amounts of research to prepare myself, but nothing could’ve prepared me for hearing the story of such a tragedy in person. The look in Arnulfo Reyes’s eyes and the pauses he took before speaking shared so much in themselves to how heartbroken he felt over losing 11 of his students.  I’ve never taken so long to write a story before or second guessed my words so much because I was determined for the story to share his gracefully, but powerfully. I am so grateful to Reyes for taking the time to speak with us and share intimate details of the worst day of his life. I remember after we wrapped up the interview, he told us that he couldn’t decline the offer because it was students that would be writing these stories. His face lit up any time he talked about his time teaching and interacting with students. I owe so much thanks to the other student journalists I had next to me that day, as well as Professor Chiecchi, who spent ample amount of time preparing us for this day and instilling confidence in us. 

Jollean Vasquez

• About Jollean's Experience

  On my path to becoming a journalist, this was my first time being able to work professionally in the field. This was an amazing opportunity for me and my profession, and am grateful to the individuals I was able to speak to and interview, allowing their story to live on through my words. I would not have this opportunity if it were not for my fellow professors in my past communication classes, as well as my current professors at Texas State, Amber Hinsley, and Eraldo “Dino” Chiecchi. I would like to give thanks to my fellow classmates, friends, and family for all their support during this process, as we worked to create our best versions of meaningful literature. I am proud to be considered a part of this project, and look forward to the future.