On Background: Meet Mary Ramsey, a service journalism reporter
This mini Q&A vignette is a part of an going series called “On Background” to reacquaint readers with the team of journalists working in our newsroom.
Mary Ramsey joined the Charlotte Observer’s service journalism desk in January after covering breaking news for the Louisville Courier Journal. Occasionally, Mary pitches in on our breaking news desk.
She is a versatile journalist: Mary also was a digital producer for the Courier Journal and in digital production while at the Arizona Republic as a fellow. Her writing interest is housing and local and state politics.
Mary contributed to coverage on Breonna Taylor, a Black medical worker shot and killed in 2020 by police in her Louisville home. Mary said it was an intense experience, adding she was very proud of the accurate, informative and sensitive coverage the news outlet gave.
A native of the Carolinas, Mary studied journalism at the University of South Carolina.
How did you get into journalism?
In many ways, I have the Charlotte Observer to thank for my interest in journalism. My parents and grandmother were regular readers, so I was always around the newspaper growing up. I loved writing from an early age and was intrigued by the example of people getting to write for a living.
What excites you about this field?
Everyday is different. That can present challenges, but it also keeps things interesting and pushes you to keep growing in your job and learn new things.
What is the most interesting aspect of your beat/job?
The service journalism desk is a relatively new venture. We have a lot of room to try new things and explore different topics and story styles.
Words of wisdom you’ve received?
One of my favorite journalism professors once told our class when we were struggling on an assignment: “Some days you’re the bear, and some days the bear eats you.” It’s something I still think about because it’s a great reminder to maintain perspective when things don’t go as planned. It’s a reminder a perfectionist like myself needs sometimes.
Proud life moments? Something you’d like to improve?
At my previous newspaper, our staff won a Pulitzer Prize. The following year, the newspaper was a finalist for two Pulitzer awards. It was a surreal experience to play a small part in that effort and an honor to work with so many talented people on important stories.
I’d like to get better at incorporating data into stories in an interesting way. Also, I’d like to get better at meal planning so I’m less reliant on take-out.
Fun fact about you?
While in college, I studied abroad in Cuba. It was a wonderful experience, and I totally recommend it as a place to visit.
