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Kid Reporter Alumni Spotlight: Brennan LaBrie
timeforkids.com
Brennan LaBrie lives in Washington State. He joined the TIME for Kids (TFK) Kid Reporter team in 2009. This was a big step for a young student. Since then, he has become a freelance journalist. He now works in New York City. His time with the magazine changed his life. "TIME for Kids transformed my life," LaBrie says. The job launched his career before middle school. It helped him love the craft of reporting.
LaBrie looks back on his year as a TFK reporter. He remembers many good moments. One memory stands out above all others. It happened during a major global event. He covered the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. He was the youngest journalist with official credentials at the event. This honor was a major highlight of his youth.
How is journalism part of your life now?
Brennan: I am proud to say that I am still a working journalist. Sixteen years after being a TFK Kid Reporter, I write for newspapers in New York City. I work as a freelancer. My articles cover many different topics. However, I focus most on education, housing, and the environment. Like my TFK work, I try to put people at the center of every story. I want their voices to be heard.
I also run a club for new journalists in New York City. A grant from the Society of Professional Journalists helped make this happen. I host monthly meetups. Freelancers gather to share story ideas. They also discuss their career paths. I send out monthly newsletters. I also manage an online chat group. These tools help members improve their pitch proposals. We also work together on storytelling projects. My main goal is to create a supportive place. I want journalists to grow their careers together.
During my time as a TFK reporter, I realized journalism was my dream job. I have taken breaks from the field. Yet, I always return to reporting. I know this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.
What is your favorite memory of being a TFK Kid Reporter?