ASU grad finds his storytelling voice at the intersection of psychology and journalism
Cronkite Outstanding Graduate Student Lorenzo Gomez will graduate this fall with a master's degree in mass communication. Courtesy photo
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2025 graduates.
After just two days into a Cronkite Borderlands Initiative trip to Panama, Lorenzo Gomez was staring his purpose in the face. The New Mexico resident had earned bachelor’s degrees in political science and psychology from Northern Arizona University and had felt lost — until that moment.
“I found myself at the center of breaking news,” Gomez said. “I met migrants previously deported from the U.S. outside a detention center in the Darién Gap. The stories I heard were haunting and changed my life forever.”
Now graduating with a Master of Mass Communication from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, Gomez knows he chose the right career.
“Talking to them human-to-human was my ‘aha’ moment,” he said. “I learned their stories. Not just about the terror they experienced, but about what made them smile and gave them hope.”
It’s that hope that Gomez himself experienced when initially applying to Arizona State University, calling it a long shot.
“I had no prior journalism experience, not even a journalism course,” he said. “When I got my acceptance letter, I never looked back.”
The Cronkite Borderlands Initiative is just one of the immersive reporting experiences students can take advantage of at the school. Gomez traveled across the country reporting for the Carnegie-Knight News21 Initiative project “Upheaval,” an investigation of immigration enforcement. He also traveled across Arizona and to Mexico during his capstone experience in Cronkite News. He says he has been able to apply all of his skills in his reporting.
“I spent countless hours in the edit bays on the sixth floor,” Gomez said. “There is a psychology to storytelling.”
Gomez is being honored as an Outstanding Graduate Student in the Cronkite School. Before he turns the tassel, he shared with us more about his Cronkite journey and excitement for the future.
Question: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
Answer: In my 20 years of school, I was only taught to ask for permission. That changed when I started my master's at ASU. It was one of the first times someone explicitly told me to stop asking for permission. I remember it vividly because it was also one of the first times I truly felt confident in my skills and ability to push the world forward. It was less about stopping and asking others for permission and more about not doubting myself anymore. The only thing holding me back was myself.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Keep your mind open. I once thought I would be a forensic psychologist until I realized I wouldn't be the star of “CSI.” One year ago, I didn't know if journalism was for me. Four months ago, I told my editors I would not stand in front of a camera. Keep your mind open to the possibility of change.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I'm going to continue down the path of storytelling. I would like to work in a newsroom, but I will continue my freelance work with local outlets in the meantime. I love this question because it is my chance to tell the world to hire me. I promise you won't regret it!
Q: What inspires you most about the future of media?
A: I am one of many young people in this field looking to transform the industry. I'm excited to see how our ambition and determination will change journalism and the way we tell stories. The world needs more trustworthy storytellers, and I think that's what we will be.
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