Embarking on a career in journalism, I harbored a clandestine love for the written word. Despite grappling with English as a second language, I doubted my ability to transcend linguistic barriers and pursue my dreams of becoming a mobile journalist or producer.
Then came February 2023, a pivotal moment in my journey. Faced with the blight of illegal dumping plaguing Dublin’s North Inner City, I felt compelled to act. Armed with determination, I penned an investigative piece shedding light on this pressing issue. Encouraged by Barry Finnegan, the director of my course, I took a leap of faith and submitted my story to the Dublin Inquirer Newspaper.
Weeks passed, filled with anticipation and uncertainty, until finally, a response arrived from the editor, Lois Kapila.
When Lois Kapila (Lo) responded, she kindly informed me that my piece on illegal dumping had already received extensive coverage and couldn’t be published in its current state. However, she left a door ajar, suggesting I could explore the story further if I wished. That subtle encouragement was all I needed to forge ahead.
Understanding her busy schedule, I refrained from bombarding her with incessant ideas, opting instead to demonstrate my dedication to the craft and my willingness to contribute to the team. Admittedly, I’m bursting with ideas, but I exercise restraint, mindful of her time constraints.
Determined to refine my approach, I diligently worked on alternative angles to elevate my work. When I reached out to Lo again, one idea in particular caught her attention: comparing the duration of illegal dumping on the streets with the timeline the Dublin City Council committed to cleaning it up, using videos and pictures as evidence.
Working on the illegal dumping story consumed over three months of my life—a formidable challenge that demanded constant adaptation and the relentless pursuit of pertinent information. It was a journey fraught with mistakes, each one a valuable lesson in resilience and perseverance.
Throughout this arduous process, Lo remained a beacon of kindness and fairness, offering guidance and encouragement when needed most. Her support bolstered my determination to soldier on, despite the inevitable setbacks.
On 15 November, 2023, after countless hours of toil and dedication, my efforts bore fruit as my inaugural story was published. It was a momentous occasion, marking not only the culmination of months of hard work but also the beginning of a promising chapter in my journalistic journey.
The day my first story was published should have been a moment of immense joy, marking a significant milestone in my budding career. However, it was overshadowed by the heartbreaking task of accompanying my beloved cat to the vet to bid her farewell. The weight of that loss cast a sombre cloud over what should have been a day of celebration.
Despite the initial melancholy, April brought a glimmer of light amidst the darkness. Winning The EPA Award for Journalism Relating to Environment 2024 was a profound moment of validation and triumph. Standing on stage, receiving the prestigious Smedis award, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of happiness wash over me. It was a poignant reminder that perseverance and dedication do indeed yield rewards, even amidst life’s most trying moments. This achievement will forever hold a special place in my heart, a beacon of hope and resilience amid the storms of life.
On February 14th, my second story was published by the Dublin Inquirer, this time delving into the lives of immigrants in the Coolmine Industrial Estate. It marked another milestone in my journalistic journey, further fueled by the passion and diligence I poured into each investigation.
In the wake of the Coolmine piece, I continued to tackle a series of challenging stories, each demanding exhaustive research and unwavering commitment. Among them were narratives surrounding the illegal dumping issue and the firsthand account of a witness to the Parnell Street attack.
Submitting these narratives for consideration at the Smedias awards was a nerve-wracking yet gratifying experience. Despite the toll they took on my time and energy, these stories ultimately proved to be the cornerstone of my success. And on that note, I’m honoured to share that my dedication paid off—I was bestowed with the prestigious title of Smedias Journalist of the Year – National Media 2024. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance and the profound impact of storytelling in shaping our world.
Winning the award came as a shock; I vividly recall glancing at the screen multiple times to ensure it wasn’t some surreal mistake. My initial response was a disbelieving, “No way.”
The night itself felt like something out of a fairy tale. Snagging two awards was beyond anything I had imagined. The after-party buzzed with energy, and I found myself surrounded by warmth and congratulations from fellow attendees. It was a moment etched in my memory forever.
While the accolades hold immense value and will forever be treasured, what truly defines my journey is the privilege of working with the Dublin Inquirer. There, I’ve had the opportunity to unearth stories that amplify the voices of the unheard, serving a purpose far greater than any award could bestow.
My partner made a video of this special moment:
Video by Edward Keogh for Bartira Augelli
Dostoevsky once aptly portrayed certain individuals as those who traverse the forest only to see it as a source of wood for their fire. While I aspire to be the one who strolls through the woods, basking in gratitude for the natural beauty around me, I must admit that at times, I too fall prey to viewing the forest solely as a supplier of fuel for my needs.
Life has taught me to navigate its complexities with an acute awareness of the dualities that exist within and around me. Like any other person, I grapple with inner conflicts and moments of uncertainty. However, I am committed to investing the necessary time and effort to perceive the forest not just as a provider of material resources, but as a wellspring of inspiration, vitality, and wisdom.
In my view, journalism embodies an unwavering quest for truth and the elusive virtues nestled deep within the heart of the forest. It’s a relentless pursuit that requires us to resist the urge to solely seek wood for the fire and instead delve into the rich tapestry of narratives waiting to be uncovered.
I aspire to be a communicator who reveres the stories of others for their intrinsic value, rather than exploiting them to serve my own agenda. Yet, I won’t sugarcoat the realities of working as a reporter—it’s demanding and often overwhelming. Embarking on this journey at 35, rekindling a dream I harboured at 17, has been met with its fair share of challenges and resistance.
Nevertheless, I refuse to let these obstacles deter me. There are stories waiting to be told, documentaries waiting to be made, and ideas and projects waiting to be brought to life. To squander this potential would be a disservice to myself and those whose stories deserve to be heard. So, I’m committed to giving nothing less than my best, pouring my heart and soul into this pursuit in the hopes of making a meaningful impact.
Among all the dreams I’ve harboured, the desire to become a journalist has always stirred the most resistance within me. Perhaps it’s because it holds the greatest significance to me, making it the dream I fear failing at the most.
From the idealistic 17-year-old girl who first envisioned herself telling real-life stories to the 35-year-old woman writing these words, countless obstacles and life experiences have shaped my journey. Yet, despite the doubts and uncertainties that cloud my path, I’ve allowed myself to be vulnerable and honest in expressing my thoughts.
For amidst the fear and trepidation, one thing remains unwavering—I am fully committed to this journey. No matter the challenges I may encounter along the way, I am determined to give it my all.
