KWWL.com - News & Weather for Waterloo, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids & Iowa City, Iowa | Colleen O'Shaughnessy

Colleen O'Shaughnessy
Reporter

As a child growing up in Rochester, Minnesota, I always had a camcorder in hand. In fourth grade, I decided to launch a weekly newspaper for my elementary school. The paper only lasted a few weeks, but the experience of meeting a deadline stayed with me! Through the years, I've learned the most important aspect of journalism truly is the viewer. My job is to tell your story in the best way possible, and I am honored that so many people have trusted me to do so in my career.

I majored in Broadcast Journalism at Saint Cloud State University in Minnesota, graduating in 2007. My college television station, UTVS, won multiple national awards, including top honors from both the Emmy's and the Society of Professional Journalism.

From there, I moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana for my first reporting job. About six months later, a position opened up at KIMT in Mason City, and I jumped at it. During my time at KIMT I covered a range of stories – from interviewing the slew of 2008 presidential candidates (including a one-on-one with Barack Obama) to the Parkersburg tornado and historic Cedar River flooding.

While in Mason City I met my husband, who I am blessed to say has changed my life for the better. We made the move to the Cedar Valley in December 2009, where I started as KWWL's newest Multi-Media Journalist just in time for a slew of winter storms! Most of the time you'll find me out reporting in the community – and just like when I was a kid, I'll usually be the one with a camera on my shoulder! I also get the chance to fill in on the anchor desk from time to time.

I've reported on politics, education, and community issues, but the stories which stay with me are that of our military. Whether it's a heartwarming homecoming, or the tragic death of a soldier serving abroad, each military member and family I meet leaves a lasting impression on my life. I have also had the honor of making two trips to Washington DC with the Waterloo Honor Flight, charged with telling the stories of our nation's Greatest Generation. In 2011 I was honored twice by the American Legion – with both a state and national Certificate of Appreciation for my work covering the accomplishments and tragedies of our local service members.

When I do have a day off, my husband and I enjoy sailing, camping, hunting, and playing with our Miniature Pinscher, Star. Even in my downtime, my mind is always on what's happening in our community. I look forward to telling your story in the future!

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