Meet Bridge Michigan’s summer 2022 interns

Four talented young journalists will join Bridge Michigan for internships this summer.

They join a staff of 15 full-time journalists at the award-winning, nonprofit, nonpartisan news publication.

“If these young journalists represent the future of journalism in Michigan, we are in good hands,” said Ron French, an associate editor at Bridge Michigan and coordinator of the publication’s internship program. “They are not only bright and ambitious, but they care deeply about the state and its residents.”

Karly Graham is a May graduate of Michigan State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. This past school year, Graham was the editor in chief of The State News, the student newspaper at MSU.

“Journalism has always been where my passions lie because I think providing a platform for people to tell their stories is important,” said Graham, from Sterling Heights. “Getting to chat with people and learn about their experiences is such a cool and important part of journalism.”

She begins her internship Monday.

“Bridge is a publication that I’ve always felt allows reporters to explore their creativity when writing,” Graham said. “I just want to have an opportunity to share stories about real people and how things around them impact them. Reporting really is where my passions lie, but as long as I get to talk to people and allow their stories to be told, I’m happy. ” 

Jared Ramsey is a May graduate of MSU, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Ramsey worked for the State News for several years, including most recently as the beat reporter covering the MSU men’s basketball team. He has also freelanced for The Detroit News.

“I have always had a passion for writing and have grown to love hearing other people's stories and being able to share those stories with a larger audience,” said Ramsey, who is from Mason, in Ingham County.

His internship begins Monday.

“I hope to pursue a career in sports reporting but I want to be able to report on any topic, which is why I am excited to get started at Bridge,” Ramsey said. “I think the internship will help me develop as a writer and be prepared for any career that follows.”

Julia Forrest just completed her junior year at the University of Michigan, where she is majoring in public policy at the Ford School of Public Policy.

Forrest, who is from Hawaii, has written for the Michigan Daily, U-M’s student newspaper, and for the Michigan Advance. Last summer, she interned at OpenSecrets.org, a Washington, D.C.-based organization tracking money in politics.

“I am passionate about journalism because it is a way to carry out my enthusiasm for writing while also allowing me opportunities to pick the brains of experts, politicians, advocates and everyday people about the day's most important and pressing topics,” Forrest said. 

She will start her internship at Bridge on June 13, after three weeks at the Politico Journalism Institute in Washington.

“I hope to go on to become a political journalist reporting on money-in-politics and uncovering how policies made in both state legislatures and in Congress are affecting real communities across the nation,'' Forrest said. “I view this opportunity to write for Bridge as a way to further dive into my passion for reporting on how state politics affect real people across.”

Roni Kane just finished her sophomore year at the U-M. She is majoring in international studies and film/TV/media, and is a news editor at the Michigan Daily.

“From theater to broadcasting and now digital reporting, I have always loved using my voice (or pen) to share other people's stories,” said Kane, of Bloomfield Hills. “Journalism connects and empowers readers, writers and sources in various ways and I find it incredibly meaningful to forge those connections between different members of my community.”

Kane is interested in pursuing a career in either journalism or law. Beyond her Bridge internship, which will start June 13, Kane also will pursue academic opportunities this summer in London and Ecuador.

“I am incredibly excited to produce in-depth and innovative coverage on topics and issues that are relevant to my fellow Michiganders,” Kane said. “Having the opportunity to work in the newsroom alongside the talented professionals at Bridge is a dream come true.”