My name is Siena Westcott-Toi, and I was most recently a journalist working for The Londoners whilst also getting an NCTJ diploma at News Associates, which finished in early July.
I only discovered I wanted to be a journalist in a flip-of-the-switch moment about a year ago, after realising it is not only an incredibly valuable trade in what seems like a rapidly complexifying social, economic and environmental climate, but because it is a profession which articulates truth to an array of international, national and local communities.
I just finished my course at News Associates, the leading journalism school in the country, doing a 22-week NCTJ-accredited course to propel me into my dream career. I cannot begin to describe how much knowledge I have acquired in such a tight space of time, but I've completely thrived off the intensity and pace of learning. It's never been made to feel more natural and uplifting than now, here - the minute you walk in that door on your first day, you become a journalist.
Having now finished the course, I have written and produced over 15 bylines and 9 video/tiktok stories displayed here and every time I write or create, it feels that bit better and more comfortable.
People always ask, 'but what kind of journalism do you do?' - and I have realised I love talking and investigating lots of different things. I talk about politics, hard news, social media trends, viral sensations, football, community initiatives, just to name a few.
And I adore writing, but my forte is camera, video editing, social media and digital journalism. To many and to me, it is the future, so sweeping up my skills in it and improving as I have in the past few months has been crucial in figuring out what kind of journalism I want to do and why.
I am also curious, adaptable, and globally minded, bringing a multicultural perspective and a strong sense of purpose to everything I do. With roots in Spain and England and having grown up in Portugal, I’m fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, which naturally allows me to communicate confidently with people and communities I not only work with but seek to understand in diverse ways. This is a skill which I've always found to be unique and valuable and has only aided in my understanding of my work, my interests and the people I meet.
So here is my portfolio!