Cover Letter - This American Life

Ella Nilsen

60 Strafford Avenue, Apt. K3

Durham, NH

03824

Dear This American Life Staff,

I wish to work for This American Life simply because I recognize the importance of a good story.  I love listening to people and the stories they have to tell.  Throughout my college career, I’ve interviewed dozens of people and by doing so; have gained more insight into the world around me than I could any other way. 

I grew up the classic National Public Radio kid.  Living in Northern New Hampshire, seemingly the only place in the world without a television signal, my parents kept the radio on all day.  The shows of NPR and the voices of thousands of people surrounded me from a very early age, always telling me their stories. 

I would be an excellent addition to the intern staff at This American Life because of my dedication, work ethic, and story-telling ability.  I have a very distinct voice in my writing that I believe would add to the program.  I would love to gain the experience of producing a radio show.  As I have been involved in the production of numerous print publications, I think the opportunity to do this in radio would be incredibly rewarding.

My journalism experience is extensive.  As a freshman in college, I joined the staff of the University of New Hampshire’s only student magazine, Main Street Magazine, and have learned so much from my experience with the publication. I started the now permanent music reviews and interviews section, interviewing artists and musicians including Passion Pit, the Smith Westerns, Wild Beasts, and Kap Slap. 

I have written many other pieces for the magazine as well, and as the Design Editor, helped transform the magazine’s layout and appearance.  I have grown with the magazine and feel an extremely strong connection to it.  Additionally, I have had three pieces to date published in the UNH school newspaper, The New Hampshire, and plan to publish more.  I have extensive experience with research as well, having completed a university funded research project on my own family’s history and Jewish heritage.

I am very experienced with the programs Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, and am going to be learning digital editing and Pro Tools this coming semester.  I have extensive experience interviewing subjects for research and investigative articles, as well as music interviews.  I am about to start my first extensive investigative piece on the Northern Pass in Northern New Hampshire, a proposed line of electrical towers that is vehemently opposed and being fought by New Hampshire residents.

I can be reached at elheafield@gmail.com.  I eagerly await your reply!

Sincerely,

Ella Nilsen