I remain a journalist because every day there’s more to do: documents to dig through, numbers to examine, changes to reveal and ways to innovate and be better.

Just as we push back against government officials and systems that fail society, we must constantly push back against ourselves to be better and better.

I’m a journalist because it is quite literally the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do. I would do just about anything to keep being able to report the news. I continue to believe it IS a noble profession, a way of life and as much a calling as it is a choice.

I remain a journalist because I know the value and power of diverse voices and communities, and I will continue to push for fair and accurate coverage of governments, people, businesses and lifestyles.

I think there is no better way to experience life than to be a journalist. I get to indulge my curiosity and passion to learn and explore. Journalists get front-row access to events as they unfold. We get to know people, intimately, at their best and worst. We tell the stories that move people’s hearts, that move people to action, that drive Democracy and change. Everyday is a challenge to myself to be better, to push myself further, to see if I can surprise myself. I love it.

Because it is, quite literally, what I have wanted to do all of my life (since I was 4) and at 33, I finally have the guts to do it.

Because I am a compelling, honest, thoughtful writer.

Because law school taught me mad research skillz and I would rather put them toward wising up the public than toward making someone lame rich(er).

Because I know a lot about an industry (biotech) that the public understands very little (if at all), and I feel personally called to remedy that.

Because aside from being a journalist, I also always wanted to be the female James Bond, and investigative reporting is the next best thing. No, really. It is.