Mass Communicator A Passion for Investigation: Ioanna Makris

Rikki Carter December 7, 2011

Whether becoming an investigative reporter for the Daily Toreador, earning American citizenship or being published in the New York Times, Canadian born Texas Tech University journalism student Ioanna Makris does not let anything stand in her way. But what makes someone an outstanding mass communications student? Do you have to be extremely intelligent or talented? Do you have to go over and beyond on projects or class assignments? Do you have to spend countless hours in the library, glued to a computer screen? For Makris, being outstanding is about fulfilling a passion. It is about doing what she loves: investigative reporting. She is dedicated not only to her classroom work, but also dedicated to work outside of the College of Mass Communications walls. Makris said she has many life goals and is achieving them one at a time. But achieving many goals does not happen overnight. From a young age, Makris knew what she wanted to do in life and that opened her eyes to many career possibilities. She discovered her passion in 10th grad, and says she is blessed to have known her career choice at such a young age. Makris did not know where she fit in at her school in Plano, Texas, but all that changed when her fine arts teacher suggested she work for the high school television station. She was hesitant at first, but decided to give the job a try. I did it in 10th grade, and I found that I kind of found my voice, Makris said. I kind of figured out where I belong. I would walk in the classroom and I found that it was home. I didnt feel left out. In the 11th grade she joined the newspaper staff and once again felt right at home. From that moment on, Makris said it was a no brainer: journalism became her passion. The College of Mass Communications, she said has only fueled that passion. The college helped me find my niche, Makris said. I found that I liked reporting the daily stuff, the crime beat, whatever beat it may be. But its the investigative reporting that gets my adrenaline pumping, my heart going. Thats what I just fell in love with. And I dont think I would have fallen in love with that without this university and this college. Makris said the mass communications professors push you to do better and push you to achieve goals that you do not think are possible. She said that she stuck with journalism because of the faculty members.

Mass Communicator

Rikki Carter December 7, 2011

As a freshman at Texas Tech, Makris thought of changing her major from journalism to public relations. There was a fear of not making as much money as others, being that journalism is known as a career that does not pay the big bucks. But she received key advice from journalism instructor Robert Wernsman. I sat down with Mr. Wernsman, Makris said, and he told me the best thing I could do was learn how to write. He said, Learn how to write like a journalist and that will open so many doors for you, you will be surprised. Makris said she knew Wernsman was right. She said being a journalist, knowing how to write in that style, and knowing how to track down a story has, indeed, opened up a number of doors for her. But Makris attributes her preferred choice of journalism to assistant professor Pete Brewton. As she sat in the back of Brewtons advanced reporting class, talking to a friend, rather than paying attention, she suddenly heard Brewton mention Texas Tribune. Being that Makris was interning with the Texas Tribune at the time, her curiosity was sparked. The assignment was to work with the Light of Day Foundation, focusing on off-campus crime in relation to the Clery Act on on-campus crime, which was in partnership with the Texas Tribune. She said it was not just her association with the Texas Tribune that peaked her curiosity, but also the ideals and what she could potentially uncover that built her enthusiasm. Upon hearing the assignment, she turned to her friend, Henry Ramos, and said, Henry, were going to do that. Because of this opportunity, Makris eyes were opened to investigative reporting. As they took on this task, Makris and Ramos went on to dig and uncover many truths and for that reason, Brewton nominated Makris for a Freedom of Information Foundation award. And soon, Makris found out that she won the President's Future Journalist Award. As he spoke about her accomplishments and characterizations, Brewton said what sets Makris apart from other mass communications students is the fact that she is street smart, mature and personable, which puts people at ease. Inside shes very determined and resolute and persistent, Brewton said, and she doesnt suffer fools gladly. I characterize her as a pit bull in a poodle costume. But Makris said in general she does not feel like she does anything over and beyond what a typical mass communications student does.

Mass Communicator

Rikki Carter December 7, 2011

I have this high expectation for myself, Makris said, and so for me its going for that goal, going for that dream. I will do whatever I need to do to get there. If I have to work two jobs just to make ends meet, but I get to do what I want to do in life then that is okay for me because thats my expectation. Thats my goal for myself and my dream. Of her many goals, one was to earn American citizenship. Makris, who is Greek, is originally from Canada. In September of 2011, Makris earned U.S. citizenship, a goal she did not think she would accomplish. She was asked to write a story for the Daily Toreador about her journey to citizenship, which was used to inform the student population, but also diffused much of her anxiety. Makris said not many knew she was Canadian and did not know the process one must go through to earn citizenship. And even though she does not enjoy writing about herself, Makris decided the process was worth documenting. We agreed that I would write one prior, leading up to the interview, and one after, Makris said. And I actually had a lot of nightmares that I wouldnt get my citizenship, so I wouldnt be able to write a follow-up, or my follow-up would be I failed, but it all worked out in the end. Doing the impossible and achieving goals that you do not think you are capable of achieving is something that Makris strives for and something that she says all incoming students should strive for. My advice would be dont let anyone tell you, No, Makris said, and if they do, know that you can probably still do it. Dont let anyone tear you down. You go for what you want, you go for your dreams, you go for your goals, and you fight as hard as you have to fight to be able to get what you want out of life. One thing that Makris wanted more than anything was the honor of being published in the New York Times. This was a dream that recently came true. Makris was interning at the Texas Tribune when she received information about a new tax being enforced in strip clubs. Makris said she wanted to go deeper into the story, possibly write a story through the eyes of a stripper. It was in her nature to begin investigating. Weeks later, she ended up sitting in a strip club in Dallas with the owner, a public relations specialist, a fellow reporter and a freelance photographer, all waiting for the interview to begin. As they waited, the owner asked Makris where the story would be published. Makris told the woman the story would only be published in the Texas Tribune, but then the photographer revealed exciting news Makris was not expecting. The photographer goes, And the New York Times, Makris said, and I was like, What?

Mass Communicator

Rikki Carter December 7, 2011

She said she could not believe she would actually be published in the New York Times until the next week when her boss confirmed it. For her, it was surreal. I did it and didnt even realize I was doing it, Makris said. But she isnt stopping there. She said she wants to continue getting published in the New York Times. Once is not enough. For me, Makris said, and as a journalist, and I think a lot of journalists probably feel this way, you do one thing, but its not good enough. You want to keep going to the next level and reaching that next goal, attaining it. She said these expectations and accomplishments have driven her life, in that she dedicates most of her time to journalism related work. I put so much work into it that it kind of takes over my life a little bit, she said. Im no longer just a student here. I consider myself more of a journalist now than just a Tech student. But despite all of her many accomplishments, Makris said what she will miss most after she graduates is being on the university campus. You can walk down one hallway and theres a memory that pops up, Makris said. Its the good times with your friends. Its game day. Its the day before game day. Its seeing Will Rogers wrapped. Its being in this building. Its everything. Makris success gives hope to all incoming freshmen and mass communications students. Anything is possible and with hard work, much will be achieved. I find Im so happy, Makris said. And its not the recognition of getting in the New York Times or the recognition of being published in this magazine. Its more so that I like telling people the truth or figuring out what is the truth. I like being the one that gets to tell people what is going on. Makris has reported many stories in her four years at Texas Tech University, but for her, uncovering the truth is not only her passion, it is her way of giving back. (Rikki Carter is a senior public relations major from Houston, Texas.)