I Am Stella Kuchanny, The Dragon’s Newest Reporter

Published on: 15 Nov, 2024
Updated on: 15 Nov, 2024

Dragon readers might have already noticed a couple of articles with the byline Stella Kuchanny, an English student at Loughborough University who lives in Guildford. She is spending a year with The Dragon to gain some further experience of journalism having already spent time with the Farnham Herald and producing podcasts.

Stella has hit the ground running and you should expect to see more of her articles. We asked her to introduce herself…

Stella Kuchanny

By Stella Kuchanny

Joining the Guildford Dragon has been a fantastic opportunity for me to develop both as a writer and as someone committed to making an impact in the local community.

I wanted to work on The Dragon because I saw it as a platform that values local stories and the people behind them.

Guildford has such a rich history and vibrant mix of voices, yet it often feels like some stories don’t get the attention they deserve. I wanted to help bring those stories to light, to engage readers with the issues and events that shape our community.

I’ve always been passionate about journalism, but working with a local publication is giving me a new appreciation for the importance of community-focused news. Since starting, I’ve already learned more about the unique impact that local journalism can have.

Every story is a chance to contribute to a broader understanding of our shared environment, and I’ve come to see the critical role that community-focused journalism plays in fostering connection and accountability.

Writing about local events, such as the challenges faced by unpaid carers or the incredible work done by local charities, has shown me just how essential it is to provide a platform for these voices. I’m continually inspired by the people I meet and interview, who are passionate about what they do and deeply invested in making Guildford a better place.

See: Surrey Charity Holds Carer Information Fairs to Help Unpaid Carers

I am hoping my work here will improve my researching skills, help me to write concisely in journalistic style and show me how best to engage different audiences.

Each article is a unique challenge. Factual accuracy is paramount but stories must be written in a way that draws people in. After all, no one has to read them!

I’m learning to adapt my approach to different topics and perspectives, making sure each piece reflects not only the facts but also the heart of the story. Working to ensure I capture the nuances and significance of each piece is teaching me to be more thoughtful in my writing, thinking critically about both my audience and my sources.

Ultimately, working at The Guildford Dragon NEWS is reinforcing my belief in the power of journalism to bring about positive change. It’s confirming my belief that no story is too small to make an impact and that, often, it’s the smaller stories that resonate the most with readers.

I’ve also gained a deeper respect for the role that journalism plays in shaping our society, providing a bridge between individuals and their communities. I look forward to continuing to grow here, learning from my new colleagues, and contributing more to our community.