By Cameryn Bentler
In 2021– just a few short years ago – a promising, bright undergraduate student walked the stage at Western New England University, graduating with a degree in communications focused on media and journalism. Now she is a reporter for Springfield’s local 22 News. This young woman is Kayleigh Thomas.
On October 8, at the Delbridge Career Center, Thomas spoke to a small crowd of aspiring journalists about her path to success, and shared what being a news reporter looks like behind the scenes.
Dressed to the nines with some personal flair – her sparkling ruby red heels – she greeted her audience with a warm welcome.
As a past copy editor of the Westerner, Thomas knows what it takes to write – as well as report – with cutting edge.
Being a reporter “does come with a lot of deadlines,” said Thomas. “It’s a very fast-paced profession to go into and it takes a lot of work.”
But Thomas looks challenge in the face with a smile, ready to tackle any obstacle that comes her way head-on.
Her path to success didn’t just happen naturally; Thomas worked hard for it. She undertook an internship with Western Mass Women’s Magazine and freelanced for various publications while working as a fitness trainer to make ends meet. Thomas has amazing grit, an aspiring quality necessary for her line of work.
“One thing I’ve learned going into this profession,” said Thomas optimistically, “is that in time, anything is achievable.”
Coming up on her fourth year at 22 News, Thomas has a large portfolio of experience to share, as well as advice for students interested in her line of work. She said that being a reporter is more than glitz and glamour – it’s actively being a part of the community, through thick and thin.
“TV reporters cover various topics,” Thomas said. “Health, sports, politics, education, weather, social justice issues – we’re covering everything.”
From her feature stories on Springfield’s annual Grease Pole competition to more hard-hitting news on local disappearances, Thomas is a versatile reporter capable of informing the public about any newsworthy event in the region.
Thomas said that the story development process is relentless, noting that “you’re basically working around the clock.” Getting stories out to the public involves searching for newsworthy developments, attending meetings, arranging interviews, getting useful footage, and writing scripts. She told the audience at the Career Center that all this has to happen while operating on tight deadlines.
“You have to gather facts fast, confirm info, and reference multiple sources,” Thomas said. “In some cases, you may have an opportunity to go live three times for a story as well – most likely at the scene.”
“Breaking news can happen at any moment,” she added, noting that this can force reporters to change their plans abruptly. “I was at an event once, and I got a call from my producers telling me to go do a live shot about the pope…. I had to cancel all of my other stories for the day.”
Thomas’ talk illustrated that her profession isn’t monotonous or predictable. Events can change quickly, and a good journalist has to be ready for anything. Breaking news doesn’t wait for you to be ready, she said; it just happens.
“In reporting, you do wear multiple hats,” Thomas said. In one day, she may play reporter, editor, producer, and anchor. “You never know what the day might hold.”
It’s no secret that Thomas is a hard worker, dedicated to her profession.
Her passion for journalism began in the classrooms of Western New England University and in the newsroom of the Westerner; now she pursues her passion in the professional arena.
Thomas hoped that her story and her experiences in professional journalism would serve as an inspiration to undergraduates aspiring to follow in her footsteps. She urged students who want to thrive in journalism to pursue their passion just as she pursued hers, telling them, “It’s really just about building those connections and seeing where the road takes you, in a sense.”
