Alum
James Benedict and Anna Hyzy
Graphics reporter for The Wall Street Journal; design editor at the New York Times
James Benedict, BAJ'17 and Anna Hyzy, BA'J17, were part of the last graduating class of the IU School of Journalism
James Benedict and Anna Hyzy were part of the last graduating class to receive a bachelor's in journalism from the IU School of Journalism. Although on the cusp of a major transition period for IU with the formation of The Media School, their experience with student media, particularly the Indiana Daily Student, reflects the enduring and unchanging passion of student journalists at IU.
James, a graphics reporter for The Wall Street Journal, and Anna, a design editor at the New York Times, cite their success to the opportunities that were available to them during their undergrad. Both immersed themselves with all the IDS had to offer. They learned the ins and outs and experienced the mistakes and victories of working for a student-run publication. Not only were they actively involved in the student organization, but they also found their niches, which then led to careers in journalism.
During their time at the IDS, James and Anna wore many hats. James recognized his proclivity for computers and found that the digital media side of journalism was where he was meant to be. Starting as a digital editor, he created graphics, analyzed and visualized data, and produced interactive content. He then became the digital redesign manager, where he continued to develop his skills. Being able to experiment creatively with the IDS allowed him to become a news apprentice with Reuters, which then ultimately led to a graphics internship with The New York Times.
Anna, worked as a general assignment reporter in 2013, and from that point, continued to try everything. She worked as an academics beat reporter, was the campus editor, design chief, and managing editor of presentation, and was the news designer. During her four years working at the IDS, she fell in love with newspaper design by designing layouts, overseeing visuals for print and digital, and managing design staff.
Working in student media at IU, Anna believes, is what set her apart from other recent graduates when she transitioned to the professional newsroom. Although painful at the time, being able to make mistakes as a student allowed her to handle them with more grace and professionalism post-graduation. While other young graduates were playing catch up, Anna already had extensive experience with everything that comes with working in a newsroom: criticism, critiques, edits, what to do when mistakes are made, and working with a dynamic team.
James and Anna fondly remember their time at the IDS not because they learned how to embed a tweet or design a layout, but because it was a community of dedicated student journalists who creatively experimented. Anna and James encapsulate what makes student media so special at IU. There is a unique level of adoration and commitment to journalism that is not commonly found or replicated. Anna explains how it isn’t necessarily about your portfolio or your hard skills, it is about your drive, ability to learn, and continuing to put yourself out there time and time again.
Anna and James are a great example of when you do what you are passionate about – success usually follows. Without the support of their professors and the community of the IDS, James and Anna wouldn’t have been able to take creative risks and cultivate their love for journalism, which allowed them to land internships, apprentices, and their current design jobs today.
Written By Kayla Pallotto
Photos By Michelle Rezsonya