When and why did you first become interested in journalism and writing?
I was always proficient at writing essays in middle and high school. When I took a course at the University of Pittsburgh called “Happiness and Human Flourishing” in the Spring of 2024, I learned to journal every day, read more novels, and opened myself to conversations about life and technology. Then I joined The Pitt News in the Fall of 2024 amidst election season, the political atmosphere was nothing short of fiery, and it was really riveting to report on.
Tell us about your journalism studies at Pitt.
Some say The Pitt News is the journalism program at Pitt. At Pitt, there is no formal journalism program – the closest there is is the nonfiction English writing program. The Pitt News taught me everything I needed to know about meeting deadlines, working under a tense political atmosphere, and collaborating with other creative young journalists. With the independence it has given me, the student newspaper has taught me how to forge my own path in journalism.
What are a few of your favorite stories, or reporting experiences, that you’ve worked on for the Bucks County Beacon this summer?
Attending and reporting on Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego’s Town Hall at Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Levittown was simultaneously anxiety-inducing and thrilling. To my left was a reporter from The Philadelphia Inquirer, to my right was Politico and The Washington Post, and somewhere behind me was CBS with its massive camera. Asking Gallego a couple questions surrounded by other news outlets similarly hungry for answers was another learning experience for me.
Running around the New Hope Pride Parade asking people “Why are you here today?” was another highlight of the summer. Although LGBTQ+ rights are in jeopardy, it was a joyous day, and I learned that journalism desperately needs uplifting stories too, especially in 2025.
What are your future journalism goals?
I hope to continue my interest in reporting on my home county, while writing for The Pitt News for the rest of my college career. After college, it would be exciting to work for a major news outlet, but I also do fully believe local news is just as important as national news, if not more.
Depending on the fate of the journalism job industry due to AI, I may follow my interests in history or political science, which will also hopefully not then be fields dominated by data scientists.
Above all, I’ll do what I love to do, which is to read and write.
How can readers follow your work?
Readers can check my archives on The Pitt News website, which is linked here: https://pittnews.com/article/staff_name/naomi-weiss/. I also hope to write stories for the Beacon in the future.
READ NAOMI’S BUCKS COUNTY BEACON ARTICLES:
Democratic State Senators Propose Bill To Strengthen Reproductive Freedom in Pennsylvania
Political ‘Outsider’ Rob Strickler Announces Congressional Run in PA-01
‘Stop the Billionaire Giveaway’ Tour Talks Medicaid and Tax Cuts at Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick’s Office
Bucks County Artist Will Unveil Interactive Juneteenth Art Piece
The Child Care Crisis in Pennsylvania Is Worsening, Warn Bucks County Advocates
Democrats Keep Pressure on Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick as Republican Budget Vote Looms
New Hope Pride: History, Art, Rights, and Resilience
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick Helps House Republicans Pass the ‘Gulf of America Act’
Bucks County Audubon Society Showcases Its Rooftop Solar Panel Project
