Lauren Granada ’20: Giving Back Through Truth-Telling

Emerson Today is profiling recent graduates to hear about their time at College and their plans for the future.

Hometown: Bedford, Massachusetts

Q: Tell us about your time at Emerson.

Granada: I majored in Journalism and minored in Leadership and Management. I was the co-news director of WEBN-TV for the majority of my time at Emerson. I experienced once in a lifetime opportunities I covered the Oscars, the Emmys, the Iowa Caucuses and met some of the best journalists in the world at several different journalism awards and events.

Last year, I was chosen to be the recipient of the national RTDNA Ed Bradley scholarship award. I also interned at WHDH Channel 7 in Boston and WCVB Channel 5 last year. I know I wouldn’t have gotten these opportunities at any other school.

Q: What was your favorite class and why?

Granada: My favorite class was ENG/TV News Reporting with Dr. Marsha Della Giustina. Every week we made a reporter package, and through that I discovered my love for storytelling, and letting the people tell the story. 

Q: What is your favorite memory from your time at Emerson?

Granada: My favorite memory from Emerson would have to be covering the Oscars. The team and I got to interview nominees, and I had the privilege of interviewing Executive Chef Wolfgang Puck in his kitchen at the Dolby Theatre. I was so nervous and there were several crews watching me, but it was such a surreal moment, and I felt like the luckiest college student ever. 

Wondering what to cook Lady Gaga next time she comes over? Chef Wolfgang Puck showed us her favorite dish! #OSCARS #🍴🌟 pic.twitter.com/9APSCUqFyO

— WEBN Entertainment (@WEBN_Entertain) February 21, 2019

Q: What song or movie best encapsulates or most reminds you of your college years?

Granada: The Friends theme song reminds me most of my college years. For one, I got to interview Kevin Bright [’76], the executive producer, on the 25th anniversary of the show in the Cutler Majestic Theatre. But the lyric, “I’ll be there for you,” is exactly what I think of when I look back on the friends I’ve made and the memories we created together. 

Q: What are you most proud of?

Granada: I’m most proud of my inner growth, and the progress I’ve made as a storyteller. Listening to people’s stories has humbled me, and made me appreciate the beauty of diversity and how important it is to give a voice to the voiceless.

Q: What are you doing (or hoping to do) next?

Granada: On June 1, I’ll be starting my reporting career at the Hearst station, NBC5, in Burlington, Vermont. I’m thrilled to continue learning from those around me, and to be able to give back to the Vermont community through truth telling.