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For Hayden Chedid, broadcast journalism introduced new ways of storytelling and collaborating with others. Photo courtesy of Hayden Chedid.��

From English major to editor-in-chief, Hayden Chedid (Jour’26) has embraced every opportunity to tell meaningful stories through curiosity, leadership and hands-on experience. She is the William W. White outstanding senior for the journalism department.����

Conversation edited for length and clarity.��

����OK, so let’s hear the origin story—what inspired you to come to CMDI?
Before �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder, I was at Arapahoe Community College majoring in English. I was introduced to journalism by a few friends and fell in love with storytelling. When I transferred to CU, it was the broadcast track that really helped me find my direction.��

����What’s one experience or lesson you’ll carry with you?��
Just go for it. Journalism rewards you for putting yourself out there. I’m an introverted person, and this has really built my confidence and brought me out of my shell.����

����And your “go for it” moment was…?����
Oh my gosh, like every day! (Laughs) I’ve done a few investigative stories, and one was really intense. I had to go to the police station, request records and interview officers. I feel like I’m always going to crazy places and meeting interesting people.����

����Who’s been in your corner throughout your journey?��
My professor Paul Daugherty hasn’t been able to escape me these past few years. He’s more than a professor and more like a mentor. I even asked him to oversee my summer internship. He’s taught me almost everything I know about broadcast.��

����A summer internship? Tell me more.����
It was with The Borgen Project. It taught me a lot about advocacy and how meaningful journalism can make an impact. I was writing articles about foreign aid and technological advancements in other countries, which made me more aware of the responsibility that comes with journalism and the impact I can have with my storytelling.����

����I know you’re the editor-in-chief for��Roam��Boulder. What’s it like leading a team of writers?��
At first, I had a lot of imposter syndrome. Like, how am I editor-in-chief? Over time, I got used to it and I felt like I was able to pass down my wisdom and knowledge from the past four years. It’s really satisfying being able to see my writers improve over the last few months.����

����Your bylines are so diverse. How do story ideas come up?��
You just have to listen and be observant. I have a notes app with a huge list of story ideas that I write down as they come up throughout the day. That’s a really important skill for a journalist.��

����Real talk—share some advice for students still figuring it all out?��
It’s OK to feel unsure about what’s next. I think uncertainty can be a good thing because that means your options are plentiful. When you focus on your authentic self and what you’re genuinely passionate about, everything will fall into place.����

����Dream job?��
I want to apply what I’ve learned in a newsroom as a photographer or producer.��

Where it all began. Hayden Chedid, left, poses with her best friend and Chip on her first day at college. Photo courtesy of Hayden Chedid.

Hayden Chedid, second row on the right, was introduced to some of her closest friends while involved with Roam Boulder.Photo courtesy of Hayden Chedid.

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Roam Boulder received the 2026 Student Organization Event of the Year for its Earth Day block party. Hayden Chedid, left, poses with the award and a group of Roam students. Photo courtesy of Hayden Chedid.

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Allyson Maturey is a communications project manager who covers student and faculty news.