This past Winter, Donovan Aldridge ’18 graduated from the University of Delaware in three and a half years with his degree in Spanish Studies. Donovan, a University of Delaware Community Engagement Fellow, certainly made the most of his time in Newark as he was a reporter and photographer for the student-run newspaper, a member of the Sigma Delta Pi (National Hispanic Honor Society), and served as a practice player for the University of Delaware women’s basketball team. Prior to his time at Delaware, Donovan was a proud member of the WFS community. While at WFS, Donovan was a three-sport athlete (XC, basketball, track and field), a member of various clubs (African-American Affinity and Science Olympiad), and served on the prom committee.

After graduation, Donovan continued to build on his journalism experience and began working as a Visual Journalist Intern for Delaware Online. In this role, he worked closely with different reporters to help them tell their stories through his photography (and some of his photos made the front-page of the paper!). He also spent time pursuing his own photo essay stories, allowing him to conduct interviews and continue to perfect his craft as a photographer.  

When asked to reflect on his experience, Donovan states, “I realized my motivation to share photos was driven by a desire to tell stories, connect with people on a global scale, and bring awareness to the environment and disenfranchised communities. I love journalism and photojournalism because it forces you to go outside. You get away from the TV and experience the world as it is; in its raw and unfiltered state. You get the chance to meet extraordinary people with interesting stories that you normally wouldn’t be aware of.”

This fall, Donovan began pursuing his MA in Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at the University of Delaware. 

Keep being extraordinary, Donovan!