Becoming The Datavist

  One CSV changed an election. One chart exposed a scandal. One scraped website saved lives. This is data journalism . At its heart, data journalism is journalism powered by data. It is about finding compelling stories hidden within numbers, rigorously verifying those stories with code, and then telling them in an accessible and engaging way, often with powerful visuals, all without ever losing sight of the essential human element. It's where the precision of data meets the art of storytelling.  A data journalist's role involves a fascinating blend of investigative skills, technical know-how, and narrative craft. They find the Data. This is often the most challenging and rewarding step. Data Journalists are adept at identifying, requesting, and even scraping data from various sources.  Take a look at ProPublica's " Dollars for Docs " that investigates how pharmaceutical companies pay doctors:  Doc Dollars Data Journalists clean and analyze data. Raw data is rarel...

 For years, my world was defined by the tangible: the rustle of leaves, the quiet focus of a classroom, and the methodical pace of learning. My professional journey began in the serenity of the wilderness as a Forest Ranger , followed by the rewarding challenge of being a Tutor . These roles taught me the value of observation, the power of clear communication, and the joy of helping others understand complex ideas, skills I never imagined would lay the groundwork for my future. Life however, often leads us down unexpected trails. Seeking a change that leveraged strategic thinking and analysis, I embarked on a new path: a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with the University of the People (UoPeople). This is where the unexpected happened. I was introduced to the fascinating universe of Data Analytics . It wasn't just numbers; it was the story behind the numbers. It was the thrill of transforming raw, disparate facts into meaningful insights. Thanks to UoPeople...