A mini-documentary Tayla Larsen made while studying journalism at USC was part of the reason she was named the most outstanding journalism student in Queensland this year.
The short film about a blind artist from Coolum formed part of a portfolio of work Tayla completed as part of her USC degree. She submitted the film, along with investigative articles she’d written about eating disorders and fertility among older women, to the 2018 Queensland Clarion Awards under the journalism student category. She was announced as the winner at a gala event in Brisbane in September, alongside some of the state's top journalists.
“I’ve won academic awards in the past, but this is the entire state,” Tayla said. “It’s a pretty big deal.
“Being there, seeing all the winning journalists go up to receive awards and the examples of their work, it was inspiring for me going forward.”
While still completing her final semester at USC, Tayla managed to secure a full-time job as a radio journalist in her home town of Bundaberg after completing several internships during her degree. One of those internships included a stint at ABC TV’s Australian Story.
“I’m really thankful to the teaching staff and all the opportunities this university has offered,” Tayla said.
“I don’t think I could have won the award without the support of the teaching staff here at USC, because you’re getting taught from people still in the industry and they know how things work.”
USC's journalism degree includes hands-on experience to ensure graduates are industry-ready – which has led to USC featuring as finalists at the Clarion Awards each year.
Ready to study at USC in 2019?