Andrea Cornejo, undergraduate student at the University of Florida, is the winner of the Jimi Lott Scholarship.
Accomplishments
In a little over a year, I went from a staff photographer for the student-run Independent Florida Alligator to the youngest staff photographer at The Gainesville Sun. I also freelanced for the Ocala Star-Banner, WUFT News, and The New York Times Editing Center along the way, using each and every opportunity to improve my ability to produce content for print, online, and social media. A number of recognitions I have received include second place in the Society of Professional Journalists Best News Student Story, first and second place in several National Press Photographers Association monthly news clip contests, and even placing 8th out of 124 entries nationwide in the first of two Hearst Awards photo competitions. I also serve as the NPPA Student Chapter President- a position I hope to use to instill the same passion for photojournalism that I have acquired to the University of Florida’s growing number of photojournalists in the making.
Career Goals
I believe that as an immigrant and first-generation college student, it is my duty to tell stories of the underrepresented members of our society through the power of photojournalism. I hope to do so through long-term documentary projects focusing on social issues as well as the intricacies of the human condition. In my eyes, it is crucial to be part of a team that is willing to devote time and resources on stories that have the potential to make a difference in the world. Whether it’s simply raising awareness or influencing positive change, I just hope that I can use visual storytelling to tell the stories that most need to be told.
Portfolio
Click on pictures to see stories.
The Punk-Rock Family Reunion
The project featured an annual three-day music festival that draws thousands of people from across the states and around the world.
Project role: I filmed, edited and photographed the project as well as transcribed the interviews
Family Ashes in Pipeline's Path
For the past couple of weeks, a 515-mile natural gas pipeline has been in the process of barreling through a Bronson resident’s land, destroying his family’s ashes and property as a result of eminent domain. Sabal Trail Transmission Pipeline is crossing through Alabama, Florida and Georgia, affecting thousands of people like Robin Koon and their families.
Project role: I filmed and edited the project.