Q&A with Sequoia Cumming '22

How did you become interested in a major in Digital Journalism and a minor in Sports Media and Broadcasting?

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I have always enjoyed writing, and I would consider myself to be a very curious person. I’m passionate about covering stories in a truthful way and enjoy learning about turning points in media throughout history and the different media systems of the world. Pace teaches journalism as a powerful tool in society. I played football on my high school’s varsity team and formed a passion for sports journalism after learning about my teammates and covering them in my high school newspaper.

Why did you choose to attend Pace?

Pace accepted me into their Pforzheimers Honors College and has strong connections with their alumni.

What have your experiences been like with the Media, Communications, and Visual Arts Department? Have certain faculty members been instrumental in your academic journey?

I have always felt like I was in good hands from the minute I stepped into Willcox Hall. I started working with Professor Fink as a contributing writer for Pleasantville’s on-campus newspaper, The Pace Chronicle, and she helped me develop story ideas and find contacts, always encouraging me to dive deeper. After developing a focus on sports journalism, I began taking sports media classes taught by Professor Pulaski-Behling. Her perspective as a woman in the sports industry was very important to me as a sophomore at Pace. She and Professor Fink encouraged me to establish connections through the newspaper, leading me to my current position with Professor Ziek at Booth Review.

Tell us more about Booth Review and what you hope to achieve through your role in it.

Booth Review is a project that I am excited to be a part of. It consists of content created by me and another student intern, JJ Perdido, on our blog website, social media accounts (Instagram and Twitter), and, of course, the podcasts. There are two types of podcasts we create. One is a recap of Pace Athletic events throughout the week, while the other is an interview with Pace alumni who work in the field of sports media. This is my first experience covering sports outside of writing articles for The Pace Chronicle, which is very exciting to me. I hope that through Booth Review, we establish a space for the Sports Media and Broadcast minor to thrive.

Are there any other activities or organizations you have you been involved with as a student?

I have been writing for The Pace Chronicle since freshman year, but I became sports editor during my second semester. I then became managing editor during my sophomore year, and editor-in-chief in my junior year. I still run The Pace Chronicle, and am also a general member of Colleges Against Cancer, which holds Relay for Life every spring. Additionally, I am a member of the Pforzheimers Honors College and Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society, and work part-time as a youth gymnastics coach in Chappaqua, NY.

What life challenges have you overcome?

I first started going to therapy at Pace’s Counseling Center after experiencing burnout during my sophomore year. I always knew that my mental health was something I had to eventually face, and it was really difficult to balance self-discovery on top of the newspaper and regular classwork. The pandemic drove me to Telehealth sessions, which were also difficult to get used to, but it's a lot easier to manage your life with a better headspace.

What would you like to do upon graduation/what are your career goals?

I hope to cover the NFL as a color commentator on broadcast television, which is a sports commentator who assists the play-by-play commentator, or as a scriptwriter for broadcast. Overall, I want to continue my goal of breaking gender barriers in the sports world.

What advice, if any, would you like to give to our current students?

Don’t be afraid to participate in the events and programs that interest you. It’s a wonderful way to meet people who can help you socially and professionally. Also, don’t be afraid to take advantage of office hours offered by your professor, especially if you are taking mostly Zoom courses.