Kid Reporter Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Horbacewicz

Don’t miss your chance to apply for the TFK Kid Reporter program! Applications are due June 15. We’re looking for up to 10 kids to join our team for the next school year.

After becoming a TFK Kid Reporter in 2009, “I caught the bug for reporting,” Sarah Horbacewicz says. “Since then, I’ve worked for places such as CBS, CNN, NBC, and local news stations. . . . As a TV news reporter, I often film, write, edit, and present my stories, so I get to do a little bit of everything.”

Horbacewicz recalls her first interview for TFK: She spoke with a young singer named Justin Bieber (above). “I got to ask him all about his new album directly instead of reading about it online,” she says. “I remember that was the coolest feeling.”

One more thing: “A special shout-out to Mr. Nissenbaum at Stillman Elementary School, who encouraged me to apply for TFK!” Horbacewicz says. Read more from her 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?

Sarah: I have spent most of the last decade working as a journalist, and am currently a news reporter and anchor for CBS News in Colorado. I have been lucky enough to work all over the world and have met some amazing people and told incredible stories along the way. After TIME for Kids, I caught the bug for reporting and worked at my school paper and TV station before getting a scholarship to college for communications. Since then, I’ve worked for places such as CBS, CNN, NBC, and local news stations across the country. I’ve been able to ask tough questions to lawmakers in Washington, D.C., interview Olympians who’ve won gold, investigate police cases, and share stories that bring people together. I love that every day I get to go out and meet someone new and that no two days look the same. As a TV news reporter, I often film, write, edit, and present my stories, so I get to do a little bit of everything.

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

There are so many! I was that year’s New York City–based reporter, and I remember going to incredible events, like the Princess and the Frog movie premiere, and interviewing kids on Broadway. My favorite memory is probably my very first interview, with Justin Bieber, for his concert at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at the U.S. Open. I got to ask him all about his new album directly instead of reading about it online, and I remember that was the coolest feeling. After that interview, event staff asked if I wanted to meet other celebrities, such as Jordan Sparks, Will Ferrell, and some tennis stars! Even though we hadn’t initially prepared for that, my mom and I very quickly wrote down some questions and had the best day running all around the arena. I remember working very hard on that article. I still have my tape recorder somewhere.

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

I still have TFK to thank for why I fell in love with journalism. I remember leaving my first interview and knowing that as a journalist, I could always learn new things and meet interesting people. This early experience grew my confidence and opened my eyes at an early age to just how big the world is. I also loved getting to come up with interview questions, and quickly recognized the responsibility of being the person who gets to ask the questions that so many readers want answers to. TFK taught me early on to jump at the opportunities in front of you, whether that’s an unexpected interview or a chance to experience something new that you can share with others. While I’ve continued to learn new things throughout my career, lessons from TFK certainly laid the foundation.

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

Be curious, and be yourself! I remember writing my first article about my school’s walk-to-school day and getting to interview some of my favorite teachers who ran the program. I learned that there was so much more to it than I knew, and was able to meet so many new people along the way. If you’re curious about what’s around you, there will always be a story to tell.

Anything else to share?

A special shout-out to Mr. Nissenbaum at Stillman Elementary School, who encouraged me to apply for TFK and set me on this path. Also, the year after me, my sister became a TFK Kid Reporter and had a blast, as well. She doesn't work in journalism but we both still recommend TFK to anyone!

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.