Human experience is at the heart of CNBC Make It lead psychology reporter Aditi Shrikant’s work.
From capturing moments as The Sidekick’s photo editor from 2008-11 to now delivering actionable advice through service journalism, her focus remains the same: telling stories that resonate.
As a staff photographer, Shrikant connected with students through photojournalism, capturing plays, choir receptions, fairs and sports, broadening her perspective on Coppell High School and the surrounding community.
“In high school, it’s easy to get tunnel vision with your main extracurricular, but being a photographer pushed me to attend a variety of events,” Shrikant said. “What I enjoyed most was seeing my classmates pursue their passions in their own activities.”
For Shrikant, becoming photography editor in her senior year taught her an unexpected lesson; she preferred being behind the camera rather than taking the lead.
“In high school, you’re often taught that being in charge is the next level, but The Sidekick helped me recognize that I didn’t like it as much as I thought I would,” Shrikant said. “Becoming photo editor felt like a natural progression from being a staff photographer, and I was excited about the position, but it helped me realize that I don’t enjoy managing personalities.”
Hoping to pursue photojournalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia but lacking funds to purchase cameras and equipment, Shrikant explored reporting classes and shifted toward writing. Even in her career, she found herself drawn more to the reporting process rather than editing.
“As I got deeper into reporting, I realized how much I enjoyed interviewing people and orchestrating stories,” Shrikant said. “Photojournalism can involve that too, but it’s a bit more removed from the process. Both fields go hand in hand, and at the core of both, you have to be interested in people.”
Finding her own path in journalism, Shrikant realized that true fulfillment came from following what she enjoyed — not just what seemed like the next step.
“You’re the only person who thinks the way you do, and if you have an idea that feels unique and important, trust yourself,” Shrikant said. “Have confidence in your perspective, and don’t let one rejection discourage you from pushing forward.”
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