The most valuable thing I'll take away is being in such an emotionally uplifting space among colleagues who are also, in a sense, an extended family. Sharing and celebrating each other come naturally to this cohort.

The courses available at Harvard and MIT are so impressive you'll find yourself stressing over which ones to squeeze into each semester. I started with six courses but trimmed it to five to give myself time for other campus opportunities, such as the amazing speaking events you can get into.

From Day 1, this fellowship is all about "fellowship" in the truest sense. Not all programs are designed that way. I was quite emotional that first day as I came to realize how lucky I was to have been chosen to learn among such brave, intelligent, talented, and supportive journalists.

Taking a year off wasn't an easy decision for me, given cutbacks in the newsroom and the gloomy outlook moving forward. But I had to go back to 'What is good for me and my life's work right now?' The Nieman fellowship has brightened my outlook on both journalism and my career. Well worth the leap.

Jon is right. The tougher part was making sure to get those recommendations in on time. Start on that as soon as possible.

I wound up submitting my application with something like 45 minutes left, because I kept going back and making edits, unsure my submission checked all the boxes, so to speak. So it's not too late. Pour yourself into the introduction and proposal. Show who you are and how you think.

Also, the whole crew at Lippman House never fails to encourage us and remind us that we don't have to feel unqualified or inadequate in that space, or on campus. That helps ease the intimidation factor of coming to Harvard for a year.

I suffered from serious imposter syndrome even while filling out the application and writing my proposal and bio. Try not to get in your own head. What saved me in the writing portions of the application was embracing my core strengths - and reminding myself why I'm passionate about what I do.

What drew me to Nieman? Honestly, upheaval in the newspaper business and a sense that I needed reimagine my role in this industry. And the chance to learn from and share with some of the best journalists in the world played no small role in my decision.

Hi, all. This is Tyrone Beason and I'm reporter at the Los Angeles Times. In my almost 6 years there, I've covered race and identity, national politics and the 2020 election cycle, California and the West and, most recently, climate, the environment, science and Indigenous land issues.

Hi, everyone, Tyrone Beason here
. Looking forward to answering your questions.