Gerald Ensley Emerging Journalist Award winner Ariana White discovered her interest in journalism, storytelling in grade school

By Codi Toney

Ariana White’s path to journalism as a possible career is rooted in her youth.

She recalls a transformative experience in 5th grade during a tour of the Florida Capitol, where she and her Girl Scout troop were visiting the legislative chambers and attending committee meetings on education and women’s health.

One of the tour guides delivered a powerful message to the group: “You don’t have to study politics to be here. I have a degree in English, and I write speeches for my representative.”

This moment sparked a shift in White’s aspirations and ignited her appreciation for storytelling.

“I initially saw myself in a future of policymaking, striving to improve our community,” she says. “However, as my studies progressed, I discovered a deeper calling in sharing stories and dissecting policies that shape our daily lives. I wanted to inform the public and influence politics through narrative—a passion that led me to pursue a major in English-Editing, Writing, and Media.”

White’s journalism excellence was recognized in mid-April 2024, when the English department awarded her the Gerald Ensley Emerging Journalist Award for the 2023-24 academic year. The award is named for the late Tallahassee Democrat columnist, who died in February of 2018.

According to a Dec. 31, 2019, article in the Tallahassee Democrat, Ensley’s wife, Florida State University Professor of Nursing Sally Karioth, his daughter, Amanda Karioth Thompson, and son-in-law, Sam Thompson, established an endowment in his honor with the Florida State University Foundation. Contributions and sales of Ensley's anthology, We Found Paradise': Gerald Ensley on the History and Eccentricities of His Beloved Tallahassee, a posthumous compilation of 45 pieces Ensley wrote showcasing the area, help fund the endowment.

The Emerging Journalist Award honors Ensley's legacy of mentoring young reporters and providing his personal insights for those who sought his opinion. This honor not only underscores White's skills and accomplishments as a journalist but also serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication to the field.

A pivotal experience for White in her first year at FSU was her involvement with Philia, the blog and magazine of the Panhellenic Association. At the time, she was a political science major, but Philia Editor-in-Chief Savannah Tindall and Assistant Editor Grace Castilow convinced White to switch her major to English.

“I looked up to Savannah and Grace for their fearless leadership; they never hesitated to hold writers and photographers accountable, they were organized, and they had such a vision for the publication,” White says. “Under their leadership, Philia became a platform for meaningful storytelling and advocacy aiming to challenge Greek life stereotypes by publishing stories about community service, diversity, academic achievement, and more.”

Tindall and Castilow both earned their bachelor's degrees from FSU in English-Editing, Writing, and Media. Under their guidance, White gained experience in all aspects of writing, editing, and team management, beginning with Philia as a graphic designer, before moving on to a staff writer position, and ultimately rising to the job of editor in chief. She managed a team of more than 20 women, conducted close to 100 interviews, and produced an average of 45 articles per semester, covering each of the 17 sorority chapters on campus.

White says winning the Emerging Journalist Award validates her hard work and dedication. Her experience as a first-generation college student has been characterized by tenacity and conquering obstacles, such as struggling with imposter syndrome. The award, White says, gives her confidence in her talent and narrative ability and helps to diminish any reservations she may still hold.

“The recognition this award brings to my resume is more than just a line item; it’s a testament to the dedication and resilience it took to get here,” White says. “It’s a reminder that my journey, though unconventional, is meaningful and worthy of celebration.”

White says she cried when she read the congratulations email from English Associate Professor Alisha Gaines, the awards committee chair.

“I immediately called my husband and friends from the department, who had been with me every step of the way,” she adds. “Their support and encouragement have meant the world to me.”

White’s advice to current undergraduates who want to pursue careers in journalism and writing for publications starts with three simple statements: “Start writing. Get involved. Stay informed.”

Begin writing frequently to develop your writing abilities, she says, and participate in university publications to obtain practical experience. And keep up with current affairs and business trends by following reputable news sources, attending workshops or conferences, and engaging with online communities.

White wrote for FSU Her Campus, where her writing assignments focused on campus initiatives, state legislation, and even federal policies, with a goal "to provoke thought and inspire action among my peers," she says.

"The feedback I received from my time with Her Campus solidified my love for journalism," White adds. "I earned the recognition of “Top Writer of the Week,” awarded for writing the article with the most views that week, nine separate times. Whether advocating for the Hunger-Free Campus Grant Bill or dissecting landmark Supreme Court cases such as Roe v. Wade, I endeavored to inform, educate, and empower women at FSU through storytelling."

White graduated from Florida State University at the end of the Spring 2024 semester with her Bachelor of Arts degree. She also earned a minor in museum studies and an undergraduate certificate in public administration.

Looking ahead, White is determined to continue her storytelling endeavors. She envisions using her skills to lead a team of storytellers and make a significant impact on her community, whether through blogging, local newspapers, grant writing, or teaching at museums.

“I haven’t decided the specifics of what I want my career to be in,” White says, “but I know it will include the transferable skills from my English degree.”

Contributions to the Gerald Ensley Emerging Journalist Support Fund can be made online here..

Codi Toney graduated from FSU at the end of the Summer 2024 semester with her Bachelor of Arts degree in English-Editing, Writing, and Media and a minor in history.

Editor's note: White’s work with Tindall and Castilow is an example of how English majors can collaborate to achieve success during college and after graduation.

Castilow finished her undergraduate studies at FSU in the spring of 2021, before earning her Master in Science in the Integrated Marketing and Management Communication Program, while completing FSU’s Combined Bachelor's/Master's Pathways Program. She currently works for Mediagistic, a marketing and advertising firm in Tampa, Florida. Tindall graduated from FSU in the spring of 2021, earning a second degree in public relations. She earned her Master of Science in advertising from Boston University in December 2022. Tindall is currently a junior copywriter for FCB Health.

White offers further insights on the mentoring and guidance they gave to her when all three attended FSU.

What truly set Savannah and Grace apart was their willingness to go above and beyond to support team members like me. As a first-year student, I had many questions about the English department and the process of changing majors. Grace and Savannah took the time to sit down with me, answer my questions, and offer invaluable advice. Savannah even connected me with the advisors I needed to formally the transition into the English major. Her belief in my potential and her want for me to succeed in the English department pushed me to be better at writing.

The Philia experience was invaluable, and I owe much of my growth and success to the guidance and inspiration provided by Grace and Savannah. Even after they graduated, the two made sure to text me encouragement about my work with the publication. They encouraged me to continue pursuing writing and editing, and I am forever grateful for their mentorship and support. Without their influence, I may not have found my passion for journalism and entered into the English-Editing, Writing, and Media major. Within this field, I discovered a perfect synthesis of my interests in rhetoric, media ethics, studying the publishing industry and journalism.

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