By Horace Holloman III
ATLANTA — At an early age, Toni Odejimi developed a unique interest in politics, news and reporting thanks to her father, who she said has always been plugged into the news. At 8 years old, Odejimi would run home, curl into the corner of her parents’ couch and watch CNN with anchor Wolf Blitzer.
While she always had a love for creative writing, her love for politics was also very strong and being an author didn’t seem like just the right fit.
“In 10th grade I thought to myself, ‘There has to be a job that combines writing and politics,’” Odejimi said. “It just clicked in my head one day. Journalist. That’s what a journalist does, and I’ve been in love with journalism ever since.”
Now in her senior year at Georgia State, this journalism major with a political science minor continues to hone her craft by immersing herself with numerous internships.
Odejimi has interned at some of the most respected media outlets in the country, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, CNN and Politico.
This semester, Odejimi is interning with the magazine Teen Vogue as a political correspondent covering stories that appeal to young voters in Georgia.
Odejimi said she’s excited to cover this year’s presidential election.
“I think people thought it would be a typical rematch, and now the race is totally different,” Odejimi said. “I’m interested in telling the stories of this race and connecting with young voters about the issues that matter to them most.”
During her time at Georgia State, Odejimi covered committee meetings at the Georgia State Capitol, the 2022 mid-term elections in Georgia and was vice president of print for the Georgia State chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.
Odejimi said she’s committed to objective storytelling and earning the trust of her readers.
“We’re at a time where we need really good journalism. We need more journalism that is transparent,” Odejimi said. “This is an honor. These institutions have trusted me to do the right thing.”
Helen Cauley, a lecturer in Georgia State’s Communication Department, described Odejimi as a laser-focused student with a bright future.
Cauley said she’s impressed with how Odejimi continues to excel in class.
“My courses require students to go out and find stories worth telling, and [Odejimi] has never been at a loss for ideas,” Cauley said. “She has pursued opportunities and taken advantage of every chance to enhance her skills.”
As graduation nears for Odejimi, she said she plans to focus on earning her degree and landing a job in the journalism field.
Odejimi will also apply for The New York Times Fellowship, a year-long program for up-and-coming journalists, at the end of her senior year.
Despite her busy schedule, Odejimi said she doesn’t regret the time she spent dedicated to quality journalism.
“It was difficult, but I don’t regret the work I did,” Odejimi said. “I don’t regret staying up late or not having a summer to myself. I don’t regret any of it because it put me in a position where I have so much experience under my belt.”
For more information on Georgia State’s journalism program, click here.
Photo by Raven Schley