Case Study:
Curtis Teegardin
From Columbia University to Trill to
BuzzFeed
A First Step into Journalism
When Curtis Teegardin joined Trill Voices through our partnership with Columbia University, he was looking for more than classroom learning. He wanted a way to step into the media world, test his skills, and see what it would take to turn passion into a career.
Like every student, he began with the Trill Media Makers’ Academy — our training program that introduces aspiring journalists to the realities of the industry. Through videos, reading materials, and practical workshops in Trill HQ, Curtis learned how to pitch stories, meet deadlines, and collaborate as part of a newsroom team. At every stage, he was guided by a team of editors who gave feedback and mentorship to help him grow.
Finding His Voice
With that foundation in place, Curtis wasted no time putting what he’d learned into practice. In just three months, he published six articles, experimenting with style, tone, and subject matter. Those early bylines gave him confidence and credibility — and showed that he had the drive to keep pushing himself.
From Trill to BuzzFeed
Curtis’s Breakthrough
As Head Editor of Culture at Trill Voices, Curtis Teegardin gained the editing, publishing, and leadership experience that set him apart in the media industry. Those bylines and skills helped him stand out in his BuzzFeed interviews — and today, he’s a Resident Writer reaching millions of readers worldwide.
Finding His Voice
With that foundation in place, Curtis wasted no time putting what he’d learned into practice. In just three months, he published six articles, experimenting with style, tone, and subject matter. Those early bylines gave him confidence and credibility — and showed that he had the drive to keep pushing himself.
It quickly became clear that Curtis was ready for more. His talent, enthusiasm, and leadership stood out, and Trill offered him the chance to take on a bigger role.
Becoming an Editor
Curtis stepped up as Head Editor of Culture, a role that gave him responsibility well beyond what most students encounter at the start of their careers. He wasn’t just writing anymore — he was reviewing pitches, guiding contributors, and shaping the editorial voice of a whole section.
The experience taught him how to manage deadlines, support a team of writers, and think strategically about content — skills that would prove invaluable in the professional world.
“Trill gave me writing clips, managing experience, and helped me realize I wanted to pursue commerce writing. It set a solid foundation for my career.” – Curtis
Standing Out at BuzzFeed
When Curtis began applying for jobs, the impact of his Trill experience was immediate. In interviews at BuzzFeed, recruiters were struck not just by the articles he’d written, but by the leadership he’d already shown as an editor. It was the kind of experience that set him apart from other applicants.
That edge helped him land a role as a Shopping & Products Writer at BuzzFeed, where his work now reaches millions of readers around the world.
“I stood out in the interview process at BuzzFeed because of my experience as Head Editor of Culture. It showed I wasn’t just writing — I was leading.” – Curtis
What He’s Up to Now
Today, Curtis covers everything from fashion finds to clever home solutions, with a particular focus on beauty products and budget-friendly alternatives to cult favorites. His work blends sharp editorial instincts with a clear understanding of what readers actually want — practical recommendations delivered with humor, personality, and cultural awareness.
Curtis has quickly made his mark through high-performing shopping articles that balance usefulness with entertainment, including pieces that spotlight clever everyday products, work-from-home essentials, and self-aware, playful takes on consumer culture. The same skills he honed at Trill — pitching strong ideas, understanding audience needs, and producing polished work on deadline — are now on display at one of the world’s largest digital media platforms.
By turning commerce writing into a creative outlet rather than a constraint, Curtis has carved out a niche that reflects both his editorial voice and his instincts as a strategist. His trajectory shows how early hands-on experience and real newsroom responsibility can translate directly into success at the highest levels of media.
Looking Back
For Curtis, what made Trill different was the combination of structured training, editorial support, and the freedom to experiment. He learned the discipline of professional journalism while also having the space to find his voice — and he discovered a community of peers who inspired and challenged him.
“The writers I worked with at Trill were some of the best I’ve ever met. It was so fun coming up with ideas. Trill really lets your creative spark run.” – Curtis
His Advice to Students
Curtis encourages other students to seize the opportunity Trill provides:
“If you’re passionate about writing articles or being part of editorial work, Trill gives you all the skills you need. Experience is everything when it comes to getting a job in media — and Trill gave me that.” – Curtis
Why His Story Matters
Curtis’s journey — from Columbia University student, to Trill journalist and editor, to professional writer at BuzzFeed — shows what happens when opportunity and talent are matched with training, mentorship, and real-world experience. His story is just one example of how Trill Voices helps young people step into the media industry and make their mark.
What our supporters say…
“Trill Voices gave me my first real opportunity as a journalist. The mentorship and support I received helped me publish my work and land my first professional gig.”
“I donated because I believe young writers need real opportunities, not just encouragement. Seeing their success stories makes every dollar feel like an investment in the future of media.”