Elizabeth Stewart-Severy is well-known for being a great english and journalism teacher at Aspen High School. Unfortunately for students, she got a job at Aspen Public Radio and is now working in the field of journalism. I decided to ask her some questions to see how her transition was going, and if she had any advice for young journalists.

Madison: What got you into journalism in the first place?

Elizabeth Severy: I really wanted to write and I was interested in other people’s stories. I read National Geographic a lot as a kid and that was really my dream to travel the world and write different stories about it.

M: What is your history with journalism?  

ES: Well I majored in print journalism in college. After that I got an internship with the Colorado Avalanche, writing their website. Then I got an internship with the Aspen Times, but then I got a job at Aspen High that came with a journalism class.

M: What do you miss about teaching? Was it a hard decision to leave?

ES: I really miss working closely with kids as they find cool and interesting things about journalism. To put it simply, I miss laughing and learning with kids everyday. It was a hard decision to leave, but knowing that I was going to work with kids during hockey made it easier.

M:What is the most challenging part? What is the best part?

ES: I’ve never worked in radio before so there is a lot to learn, but that also makes it fun. So I think that is the best and the most challenging part.

M: Do you have any advice for me?

ES: Just don’t be afraid to contact people and ask difficult questions, don’t be scared to push people.