The media is not your friend.
That’s the advice Chris Cuomo gave me before I joined him for my first-ever live, primetime interview after being thrust into the spotlight by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
I didn't understand what he meant at the time — or the first 100 or so times he told me after.
For five days, I was the most sought-out story in America – in the middle of a pandemic, no less.
I was screening calls from every news agency in the world. Everyone wanted to talk to me. Everyone wanted to hear my story.
It's flattering to have so many famous people ask for your time.
Especially when you were once a journalism major who idolized the callers you’re screening. Especially when you're 30 years old and have never met anyone famous or important before. Especially when your life has been turned upside down in an instant and your future seems uncertain. Especially when you're being targeted by very powerful people. Especially when telling your story could save thousands of lives.
Th…
