Maya Sargent

Reporter at ABC 27 (WTXL), 24

Originally from the United Kingdom, Maya Sargent knew she wanted to create her version of the American dream. This dream included being a friendly, familiar face and the voice piece for a community, as a reporter. After moving to the United States and attending graduate school for journalism at Fordham University, she made her way to a part of the country she had never been, Tallahassee, quickly developing a passion for the place and its people.

What motivates you?

I take my role in the news industry very seriously. I have been in so many situations during my time in Tallahassee where we have dealt with breaking news, and I have been overcome with the realization of how important my role is as a reporter and a conduit of information. Whether it’s people looking to us for updates during hurricanes or tornadoes, or the tragic shooting on FSU’s campus, I would say I am most motivated by this community, that has welcomed me in with such warmth, to keep telling stories that matter, with agency, passion, accuracy, and a level of care.

What advice would you give 20-year-old you?

I would tell a newly 20-year-old me to follow the career path that feels most organic. Lean into your passions, your curiosities, and keep a close eye out for those next doors that open with ease, without you having to jump over hurdles. That is life telling you — this is what you’re meant to do.

What advice would you give to young people with a similar trajectory to yours?

 I am paying forward a piece of advice that one of my managers told me on my very first day at ABC 27, “give yourself grace for six months.” I have never grown so much as a person or a professional in those first six months here. I learned to see every mistake as a learning curve, rather than a failure, every new opportunity as a chance to try out new things.

How do you hope to make an impact within your community?

 One of my favorite parts about being a reporter in local news is the people I get to interact with every day. I love highlighting stories of hardship, grit, determination, perseverance, showcasing people with big hearts and even bigger dreams for their neighborhood. I have always said, Tallahassee has such a servant heart; people always want to give back to each other. I feel so grateful to be able to capture that kindness and care every single day. Everything I know about Tallahassee and the Big Bend has been shaped through the eyes of people who have such a deep love for this community. I hope to continue to use my camera and my role to uplift new voices in every way I can.

What is the accomplishment you’re most proud of?

I would say I am most proud of the life that I have been able to build in the United States. It has been a dream of mine to move here since I was about four years old. I have been so fortunate to find myself in so many pockets of this country from grad school in New York City to the rural roads of Taylor County covering hurricane impacts; within that journey I have met so many fascinating and wonderful people who have shaped my experience here. I often think about what younger Maya would think about the life she has been able to create, and I see her with a big grin on her face. It fills me with so much pride and also so much motivation to keep growing, learning, and seeing new parts of this country.