Jessona McDonald

Jessona McDonald covers Polo Grounds Towers in Harlem.

When Jessona was growing up, her father would have her write compositions as punishment for childish outbursts. But what began as a disciplinary method turned into a life-long love affair. Her writing soon blossomed into a career.

Jessona, 22, attended Villanova University where she majored in political science and minored in philosophy. She also ran track, and toyed with the idea of pursuing a career as a professional track-and-field athlete  but decided to pursue a graduate degree in journalism instead.

Now, as a candidate in the masters of science program at Columbia University’s Journalism School, Jessona wants to explore the art of narrative writing and work on writing compositions—this time for recreational purposes—and not as a punitive measure.

Jessona loves watching The View and is captivated by the sass that comedienne Sherri Shepherd brings to the table.

You can follow Jessona on Twitter @jessiboos.