Kid Reporter Alumni Spotlight: Olivia Branan

Would you like to be a TFK Kid Reporter? Now’s your chance! Contest applications are due by June 15. We’re looking for up to 10 kids to join our team for the next school year.

Olivia Branan was on the TFK Kid Reporter crew from 2015 to 2016. “Being introduced to journalism at such a young age gave me a passion for writing and curiosity about the world around me,” she says. While in college, Branan worked as a reporter at the Daily Californian. Since graduating, she’s worked in communications and law. “I approach everything in life with a journalist’s perspective of curiosity and integrity,” she says.

Branan’s favorite TFK memories include the 2016 Democratic National Convention (above) and the American Music Awards. “If you’re considering applying,” she advises, “a great way to stand out is to focus on what genuinely excites and interests you.” Read more from Branan, including additional tips, below.

Think you have what it takes to be a TFK Kid Reporter? Now’s your chance! Visit timeforkids.com/kid-reporter to apply by June 15.

TFK: How is journalism a part of your life now?

Branan: My experience in journalism has given me the opportunity to ask questions to people who I’d never thought I would be in the same room as! I was definitely a shy kid growing up, but my interest in journalism allowed me to engage with celebrities, athletes, politicians, and more.

Being introduced to journalism at such a young age gave me a passion for writing and curiosity about the world around me that I carry with me today. I believe that it’s so important to keep up with the world, whether that’s through politics, international affairs, or pop culture. I read, watch, and listen to the news because I understand how important it is to stay educated and informed. Overall, journalism has broadened my perspective. It has put me in a position to understand diverse perspectives in a way that no other career field could.

What’s your favorite memory of being a TFK Kid Reporter?

Going to the Democratic National Convention in 2016 was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. TIME for Kids invited me to [go to] Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to cover it. There, I was surrounded by well-known journalists and political figures that I had only seen before on TV. I was even able to be present during then-president Barack Obama’s address, which was definitely the highlight of the weekend.

As a close second, I also got the opportunity to report at the 2016 American Music Awards. There, I was able to meet my favorite artists at the time, including Sabrina Carpenter and Charlie Puth. I was also the biggest One Direction fan, and I remember the wave of awe and excitement I felt when they walked past me on the red carpet.

What impact did being a TFK Kid Reporter have on your life and/or career?

Because of my role as a TFK Kid Reporter, I approach everything in life with a journalist’s perspective of curiosity and integrity. I am so grateful to have been part of this program at such an early, formative time of my life because it truly served as the foundation of my career.

After being a TFK Kid Reporter, I went on to further immerse myself in the world of journalism. In high school, I took an investigative reporting course in New York City. It was taught by reporters from The New York Times. To pursue my love for writing, I joined my student newspaper, where I covered beats including breaking news, climate, arts, and entertainment. Last year, I graduated from UC Berkeley with a double major in media studies and global studies. And I recently started a position at Clipbook, an AI startup that helps organizations with communications research. All in all, I have TIME for Kids to thank for fostering my love for writing, communicating, and engaging with the world in a meaningful way.

What advice would you give kids applying for this year’s contest?

A great way to stand out is to focus on what genuinely excites and interests you. Is there something in your life you can’t stop thinking about? Are there events happening in your community that you believe more people should know about? The strongest writing and reporting often come from journalists who truly care about the stories they tell. Passion is infectious. When you share what excites you most about this role—whether it’s the chance to write, to investigate an issue, or be the face of an important story—let that enthusiasm come through in your application. Showing what brings you joy will surely make you stand out.

I cannot express enough how grateful I am to have been a TFK Kid Reporter. This opportunity was the launching point of my career, and it absolutely made me stand out on college and job applications as a sign of demonstrated interest and ambition at a young age. If you are a motivated kid with a passion for writing and reporting, apply! Take the chance, because you absolutely will not regret it.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.