Contributors
![](https://yxq456.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Diana-Dawson.jpg?time=1725679493)
Diana Dawson
Diana Dawson is an assistant professor at the University Texas School of Journalism and Media, where she teaches news writing and reporting, public issues reporting and feature writing. She founded and directs the Moody College Writing Support Program, offering peer writing tutoring to undergraduates. In addition, she recently received the Moody College Teaching Excellence Award for 2022. Before teaching, Diana worked as a newspaper reporter for nearly 20 years, during which time she earned scores of national writing awards. She has been a member of St. David’s Episcopal Church for 25 years and worked there as director of public engagement from 2012-2016, organizing all public service projects and managing volunteers.
![](https://yxq456.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02082023_heartIMG_2279_v2-1-907x1024.jpeg)
Finding Heart Rocks
By Diana Dawson Stepping over gnarled roots of ancient oaks and navigating rutted dirt trails, I