I’m Emily Jane Lawler, a correspondent at MIRS Newsletter and a recent graduate of Michigan State University.

I grew up in Rochester. Despite my parents’ best efforts, I missed a few childhood lessons, like “don’t talk to strangers” and “if you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all.” Because of this, I headed to Michigan State University (MSU) to be a journalist.

I wasn’t sure what that meant, but it turned out to be exactly what I wanted to do. I got to MSU and started writing for The Big Green, a publication I would eventually become the Editor in Chief of.

I produced audio for Spartanedge and Impact 89 FM, and wrote for Capital News Service. I blogged for The Detroit News during the 2008 election, and ended up interning at Michigan Information & Research Service until they hired me as a freelance writer and later a full-time correspondent.

There’s a big difference between people who have been journalism students and those who have been student journalists. If you hire me, you’re getting the latter. I haven’t just gone through the required courses, I’ve produced quality work inside and outside the classroom.

As far as the human part, when I’m not writing I’m having fun. I love riding my Creamsicle Cannondale. I like fishing and cooking — and yes, the combination of those two does mean I can fillet my own fish. I have a Maine Coon Cat named Maverick who makes enough noise to keep me company, and hobbies like slacklining to keep me guessing.

I work best when I’m busy. Poke around this site to see what I’ve been up to — the “My Work” tab will take you to some fabulous examples, and the blog section will give you a good idea of how I’m handling it.

Lastly, I’d like to think the Associated Press for changing it from Web site to website. I just feel like that makes my efforts here a little more modern-sounding.

Have a great gander!