Career Center

Erin Luhmann

Uncovering Hope Through Writing: A Career Exploration in Ukraine

This past January Interim Experience provided Erin Luhmann (English ’08) the opportunity to delve into the world of journalism for a Career Exploration like no other. In her pursuit of a career in writing about "hope and life changing stories," Erin traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine to report on the progress of the relief and recovery efforts since the 1986 Chornobyl nuclear disaster. Specifically, Erin was charged with researching and writing a human-interest story for NEED magazine, an award winning social justice publication based in Minneapolis, MN.

Once she landed in Ukraine, Erin contacted the Children of Chornobyl Relief & Development Fund and began gathering ideas for her story. When asked about the journalistic challenge before her, Erin stated, "For the first time, I gathered information for my story first-hand and, above all, I learned to be flexible, confident, and persistent".

Erin put these traits to the test interviewing subjects, visiting organizations and gaining access to elusive health statistics. In spite of language and cultural barriers, Erin began piecing together the critical elements for her feature story. She collaborated with Bart Pogoda, a professional photographer from Poland and directed him to photograph subjects at the Chornobyl site that she envisioned as part of her story. With Pagod's photography expertise and Eri's vision, the piece eventually came together.

Erin's commitment to social justice and her passion for writing did not stop when she returned to Minnesota. She continues to work and write for NEED and will begin a two-year commitment with the Peace Corps next fall. Look for her feature story in the upcoming edition of NEED magazine.