You could say that journalism runs in Leah Crowley’s blood. Growing up in the small town of Plainville, Massachusetts, Crowley developed a love of journalism from years of watching her father, a photojournalist for CNN, develop packages. Knowing she wanted to pursue a career in broadcast journalism — as well as explore her growing affinity for politics — she kept these passions in mind while determining which college she’d attend, ultimately deciding on URI for a number of reasons. “I chose URI because I loved the flexibility the curriculum gives you and how the journalism program is growing,” Crowley says. “After seeing the plans for the new broadcast studio and the different courses I could take, I knew I liked this school. Once I learned I could also double major in political science, my choice was set. The proximity to the beach definitely helped too.”
From the very start of her college career, Crowley made a choice that would define the years to come. “In my first semester of freshman year, I joined our school newspaper, The Good Five Cent Cigar, and it was the best decision I have made in college,” she says. “After working as a contributing reporter and producing packages for the website, I was elected to the position of newscast editor at the end of my freshman year. At the Cigar, we continue to produce weekly, socially-distanced newscasts covering stories from broken safety lights to RI’s name change and, of course, COVID-19. Taking on the newscast as an underclassman was definitely daunting, but I’ve made great friends at the Cigar. I’m proud of our work, and it’s a lot of fun too.”
Now in her junior year, Crowley’s father encouraged her to apply for a scholarship through the Radio Television Digital News Association, which gives awards and scholarships to both working professionals and current students. Though she’d worked hard thus far, Crowley felt the pressure mounting after she submitted her application. “When looking at the list of past winners, there were no students from URI, so I was convinced I wouldn’t be awarded anything,” she says. “Needless to say, I was shocked when I found out I was awarded the President’s Scholarship. When applying for the scholarship, I had to submit examples of my work. The examples I submitted were almost entirely stories I wrote, shot, and edited for the Cigar. I am incredibly grateful to receive this honor, and it would not have been possible if I did not join the Cigar during my first semester freshman year.”
With a bright future ahead of her in the field of journalism, Crowley looks forward to graduating in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in journalism and political science. Thinking back on her own crucial choice in joining The Good Five Cent Cigar, Crowley has some advice for incoming Arts and Sciences students: “The best advice I could give to incoming A&S students is to get involved. I know saying ‘get involved’ is cliche, but I think the reason it’s cliche is because it’s true. Your college experience is what you make of it, so join clubs, go to events, and jump into all URI has to offer.”
Check out Leah in action for a story she wrote, shot, and edited here! You can follow Leah on Twitter @LeahBCrowley.
~ Written by Chase Hoffman, Writing & Rhetoric and Anthropology Double Major, URI Class of December 2020
