Introducing myself to you: The Observer's new writer, Megan Bruinsma

In June, I began an eight-week summer internship with the Observer. My first three stories were a preview on Stoneybrook West’s Open Championship Tournament, Charlotte Ozim becoming Athlete of the Week and the new ownership of Scoops. 

I had never heard of Scoops before. I didn’t know the history, its legacy and its importance to the Winter Garden community, but I learned.

Those first three articles were an important step in my journey to learning about the stories intertwined in West Orange and Southwest Orange, and they sparked my love of the area. The community is what makes it so special; it’s the people, traditions, schools and clubs. 

You’re the people who allow us to do our jobs of reporting on your lives, and your continued support is the heartbeat of the Observer. That’s why I want to introduce myself so the next time an email, text or phone call is made, you know a bit about the person behind the message. 

Hi! I’m Megan Bruinsma, the new staff writer and sports reporter at the Observer. 

Orlando always has been my home. It took time, but I’ve realized how lucky I was to grow up in the area with my younger sister. 

I’m the daughter who enjoyed watching football with my dad. He developed me into a Lions fan, and I picked up the weekend routine. Yes, watching games is entertaining, but every time, I was in awe of the reporters. 

They were blessed to have a job where they reported on sports. They covered the big games, learned about the players and kept the public informed. Their job looked fun and thrilling, but it wasn’t until years later I discovered that’s a career I wanted for myself.

Sports became an important part of my life at an early age. I started out with soccer, then basketball and finally found my love in volleyball. I played at the club level from sixth through 11th grade, so I understand the challenge and grind it takes to balance sports and schooling.

To anyone doing that now: I respect you. 

I went to Timber Creek High School before traveling down south to attend Florida Atlantic University. 

Here’s two fun facts. We had burrowing owls, our mascot, on campus, and they’re the cutest owl species. (No, you cannot change my mind.) Iguanas do freeze when they’re cold, so I watched my head in Florida’s “winter.”

I graduated from FAU in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism and a minor in sports studies. That school truly changed my life; I discovered my passion. 

If you told me when I was in high school that my job in the future would be speaking to people I didn’t know for a living, I would’ve thought it was a joke. The arts, English and writing always have been my passions. I used to write my own books (that were never published or finished) and read daily, but my social skills lacked. 

Going to FAU meant a new environment with people I didn’t know, so naturally I came out of my shell. Don’t get me wrong: I’m still someone who enjoys listening more than speaking, but I’m no longer too shy to talk. I grew as a person and to any high-schoolers who might be reading this, if you choose to continue your education, you’ll grow in wonderful ways, too. 

I joined the school’s paper and found my joy. Every single game I covered was a thrill. I attended press conferences, met those who were the heartbeat of the athletics department and told the stories of the athletes within. 

It was special to strictly cover FAU. We didn’t report on anything that didn’t pertain to the university, which I loved. I forged relationships with those within it and deeply learned about each team. 

That’s why it’s a blessing to write for the Observer. 

Now, I’m able to develop relationships with the community members and learn about each school. Telling the stories of young athletes with dreams to continue their careers at a higher level, photographing special moments and finding out the “why” is what will get me up in the mornings. 

Each and every individual is so unique. Whether you’re the quiet kid, someone who always talks, a star athlete or someone who just started out, everyone has their own story, and every story deserves to be told. 

I will do my best to tell each story, and I can ensure they will be told with care and accuracy. 

Thank you for reading. I look forward to developing relationships within this community and discovering the hidden gems within. If you have any questions or would like anything covered, I’m just an email away. Please email me at [email protected].

Looking forward to seeing you on the sidelines soon!