Marcus Hill is a staff reporter for Colorado Publishing House, writing for local publications like the southeast express and the Colorado Springs Indy. He graduated from Colorado State University-Pueblo in 2012 with a degree in Mass Communication.

Interview

How did you get into journalism?

In high school I used to do mock interviews with friends after games. I also loved to write and found out journalism was a way I could turn my love of writing and sports into a career. The rest is history.

Why do you do what you do?

I cherish the ability to transform my thoughts and other people’s words into a story. It’s like my quirk/superpower. Everyone has their own gift and I think I’ve found mine.

What has been the best advice someone gave you about excelling in journalism?

Years ago I emailed Gene Wojciechowski from ESPN and he told me (I’m paraphrasing) that to an extent, all writing – sports, news, investigative, food, etc. – is the same. It’s about collecting information and masterfully piecing it together where a reader can enjoy it. I’ve never forgotten that.

Where do you see yourself headed?

Writing for a magazine like Sports Illustrated/ESPN if I’m lucky. Or, if my investments pay off, slightly closer to financial freedom.

As a black man, what obstacles have you overcome in journalism to help you keep growing in success?

Learning to be comfortable around folks who don’t share my background. I used to feel discomfort expressing myself or any bits of my culture (TV, movies, games) to people I worked with. Now, I don’t care who does/doesn’t like it because I love myself.