1.

Achievement Story
Situation:
During my second year pursuing Journalism and English Honours, I was tasked with writing an
investigative feature for a university magazine. The story aimed to expose the inadequacies in
mental health resources available to students, a topic that wasn’t openly discussed at the time.
Task:
The goal was to produce a well-researched, impactful article that would encourage the university
administration to review its mental health policies. I needed to gather sensitive information from
students and professionals, as well as ensure the article complied with ethical journalism
standards.
Action:
I conducted interviews with students who had sought help from the university’s mental health
services and spoke with campus counselors and external mental health professionals. To ensure
credibility, I carefully analyzed data and reports on student mental health trends. I also worked
closely with my editor to refine the article, making sure it was both factually accurate and
compelling.
Result:
The article was published and gained widespread attention across the student body and faculty.
The university administration later announced an initiative to improve mental health services,
citing the growing concerns raised in part by my piece. I received recognition from my professors
and peers, and this experience solidified my passion for impactful journalism.

2. Adaptability Story

Situation:
During my Public Relations internship, the company I worked for suddenly had to switch to
remote operations due to the pandemic. This unexpected shift meant the team had to rethink
strategies and client communications without the in-person collaboration we were accustomed
to.
Task:
As an intern, I was responsible for assisting with media outreach and event planning. Suddenly,
we had to pivot our entire approach, including transitioning planned in-person events to virtual
platforms. I had to adapt quickly to using new digital tools and finding ways to maintain strong
client relationships remotely.
Action:
I took the initiative to master virtual collaboration tools like Zoom, Slack, and Trello to stay on top
of projects. I suggested creative alternatives for planned events, such as hosting webinars and
virtual press releases. Additionally, I reached out to clients more frequently via email and virtual
calls, ensuring they felt supported during the transition.
Result:
My adaptability helped the PR team successfully shift to remote work without compromising on
productivity. The virtual events I helped organize were well-received by clients, and my
supervisors praised my ability to maintain efficiency under changing circumstances. This
experience sharpened my adaptability and problem-solving skills.
3. Conflict Resolution Story

Situation:
While working as a content writer for an online publication, a disagreement arose between me
and another writer regarding the direction of an article we were co- authoring. I wanted to take a
more analytical approach, while my colleague leaned towards a narrative style. The conflict
began to slow down the progress of our assignment.
Task:
We needed to resolve this disagreement and find a solution that satisfied both perspectives while
keeping the quality of the article intact. The deadline was approaching, so it was crucial to reach
a consensus quickly.
Action:
I initiated a meeting with my co-writer to discuss the strengths of both approaches. I emphasized
the importance of combining our ideas to create a more comprehensive article. We agreed to
incorporate both elements—using a narrative structure to draw readers in while adding analytical
depth to support our findings. I took responsibility for drafting the analytical sections and allowed
my colleague creative freedom in shaping the narrative flow.
Result:
The article was published with positive feedback from both our editor and readers. It was praised
for its balanced approach, combining engaging storytelling with insightful analysis. This
experience taught me the importance of compromise and collaboration in resolving conflicts.

4. Leadership Story

Situation:
In my third year of university, I was elected to lead the editorial team of our student-run
publication. My role was to oversee a group of eight writers and ensure the publication of our
monthly magazine.
Task:
My task was to manage the team’s workload, maintain editorial standards, and keep our
magazine releases on schedule. The challenge was that we had a diverse team with varying
writing styles and strengths, which required me to lead in a way that allowed everyone’s
contributions to shine.
Action:
I organized regular team meetings to discuss content ideas, assigned articles based on individual
strengths, and set clear deadlines. I also encouraged open communication, fostering a
collaborative environment where writers could share feedback and support each other. When
issues arose, such as delays or disagreements over content, I intervened to mediate and ensure
that everyone stayed on track.
Result:
Under my leadership, we consistently met our deadlines, and the publication’s quality improved,
resulting in an increase in readership. My team members appreciated my hands-on approach and
felt more motivated to contribute creatively. This experience not only enhanced my leadership
skills but also deepened my understanding of team dynamics in a newsroom setting.

5. Failure and Learning Experience Story

Situation:
Early in my journalism course, I pitched an idea for a feature article on a trending social issue,
assuming I could handle it without much research. However, once I started

writing, I realized I had underestimated the complexity of the topic. I struggled with structuring
the article and providing substantial evidence.
Task:
My task was to deliver a well-researched article that offered valuable insights. As the deadline
approached, I recognized that my article was far from meeting those expectations.
Action:
I reached out to my professor for feedback and realized my mistake in rushing the research
phase. I decided to scrap my original draft and start over, diving deeper into research to gather
more accurate data and expert opinions. I also consulted my peers and took their constructive
criticism to improve my writing.
Result:
Although I had to request an extension, the final article was much stronger. It was well- received
by both my professor and classmates, who praised the depth of research and balanced
arguments. From this experience, I learned the importance of thorough preparation and seeking
help when needed. This failure made me more meticulous in
my journalistic approach going forward