Lauren Deidra Sawyer

EDUCATION

Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Indiana
April 2012
Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Bachelor of Arts in Writing
Concentration in Multimedia, Minor in Media Communication
GPA: 3.86

Taylor University, Upland, IN
Business and Technical Writing (2009)
Freelance Writing (2008)
Writing and Selling Short Stories and Novels (2007)

WORK EXPERIENCE

The Sojourn newspaper, Managing Editor, Marion, Indiana (February 2009 - Present)

• Assigned stories to staff writers weekly
• Edited staff writers’ and editors’ stories
• Contributed to layout and design process
• Interviewed students, faculty and Grant County residents
• Worked alongside editor-in-chief in decision-making                                           

Preemptive Love Coalition, Intern, Sulaimaniah, Iraq (Summer 2010)

• Managed, edited, co-designed and wrote for PLC’s annual report
• Experienced everyday life in Iraq, learned basic Sorani Kurdish
• Participated in weekly discussions on history, culture, religion and international development
• Accompanied PLC staff to meetings with local partners (i.e. doctors, entrepreneurs)
• Assisted in teaching English as a second language
• Created a multimedia piece for the PLC blog
• Wrote for the PLC blog
• Guest-blogged on behalf of PLC

IWU’s School of Nursing magazine, Assistant Editor, Marion, Indiana (August 2009 - May 2010)

• Interviewed nursing professionals
• Wrote features on health and nursing
• Copy edited stories
• Designed magazine layout
• Assisted editor

FREELANCED WRITING

“Donations to ministry help poor,” Fort Wayne’s Journal Gazette (August 2009)
“Freshman Nuptials,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: Campus Chronicles (April 2009)
“Dustin Kensrue – This Good Night is Still Everywhere,” Burnside Writers Collective (December 2008)
“‘Lifeboat Theory’ explains racism,” Fort Wayne’s Journal Gazette (November 2008)
“Be a Mentor, Change a Life,” Grant County’s Chronicle-Tribune (November 2008)

UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE

Directed and produced radio spots and programs for a market of 73,000
Co-wrote and starred in 30-minute drama for student and faculty audience

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

InAsMuch Ministry Volunteer (May 2009-Present)
Doulos Student Organization (2008-Present)
Doulos Spiritual Formation Leader (Spring 2009)
Freelance Web and Print Design (2005-2009)
Northeast Christian Church Intern (2007-2008)
Short-Term Mission Trips (2006-2008)

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Indiana Wesleyan University’s Dean’s List (2008-2010)