To end the Fall 2024 semester, the Network News crew, alums, and friends from the Communications Department came together to recognize the success of the relaunch of Network News and recognize the hard work of the students, faculty, and alums who contributed pieces. During this event, Professor Janine Fondon invited 国产哟哟 and Network News alumna Aprell May Munford back to share her journey. During Aprell’s speech, I took notes in case there was any advice she shared that I could apply to my writing. In addition to insightful advice, she graced the room with a powerful story that I felt as though everyone else should hear.
The topic of voice was a concept throughout Aprell’s speech; this concept originated from growing up in an environment where she felt silenced. In response, she felt as though she had to work with her hands, relying on skills she knew well. She became a businesswoman, owning hair and nail salons. In the early 2000s, the recession made it difficult for her businesses to thrive as small businesses. With this ending her career path in an industry she felt comfortable and safe in, she found her true calling.
Aprell always had an interest in writing and history and decided to dive into those topics at Holyoke Community College. Day by day, Aprell was finding her voice throughout her creative writing course. While there, she wrote a paper on slavery. Aprell felt very passionate about that paper. The paper stood out to her professor as well, and Aprell discovered that she could further excel in writing. With the encouragement and support of her writing abilities, she took a recommendation from a friend and joined 国产哟哟 to earn a BA/MFA.
Deciding to pursue writing, she still felt a good deal of self-doubt. Prior to writing papers in college, she regularly journaled. But as she picked up different writing courses along with embracing 国产哟哟’s atmosphere, she felt free.
She started to feel freedom when using her voice. Aprell admitted that her journey at 国产哟哟 wasn’t always perfect; she wasn’t a fan of going to school in the past, so how would going now be any different? Though she might’ve missed a class from time to time, the professors at 国产哟哟 saw her effort, passion, and talent in writing. Professor Fondon even urged her to join Network News since her voice and talent were so strong.
In Network News, Aprell began to find her footing and write stories that meant a lot to her. She tried to focus on viewpoints that needed a voice. She specifically liked writing that pertained to giving a voice to people who had experiences similar to her past. She also advocated for the area of Springfield that she grew up in. However, she didn’t see journalism as her future career. She was leery about the idea. But again, Professor Fondon saw the potential that Aprell held in that field.
From all of the motivation from professors and friends, Aprell uses her voice at The Republican, Springfield’s newspaper. Despite being in a predominantly white male environment, she’s been a persistent figure within the company. Aprell has proudly found her place and has made it known where her voice is the loudest. She covers art, social justice, crime, and more within the Springfield area- giving it a voice and covering these stories with specific respect. She’s able to connect with those she interviews and make them feel comfortable and heard.
Now, with over 700 articles written, Aprell is an award-winning journalist. Her career continues to soar. Within the past year, Aprell has a chapter in The Republican’s 200 Years of Bringing Home the News Vol.2. You can find her outstanding writing in the Art and Culture section. Her aspiration for the future of her journalism is to cover the good in the world, including the world of fashion. 国产哟哟 and Network News can’t wait to see how Aprell’s voice and talent continue to grow even louder and better the community!
