Conor Bergin

About

Hi! My name is Conor Bergin. I'm a writer with a passion for storytelling and playing with the rhythm of language. My mission when I write is to relay different perspectives of the human experience in a conscientious, insightful and entertaining style. This means remaining self-aware and empathetic and always embracing nuance and curiosity. This mission comes through in my portfolio -- whether it's sportswriting at the SB Nation site Blazer's Edge, personal essays on my blog The (Temporary) College Dropout or various video and print stories I wrote as a Journalism student at Loyola University Chicago. Each area represents a piece of my identity.Growing up in Portland, Oregon, I loved sports. I played basketball, consumed unhealthy amounts of sports media (ESPN, Sports Illustrated, The Oregonian) and, naturally, I loved the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers. As I got older, something I learned is Blazers' fandom isn't just about basketball, it's about taking pride in our small-market city's quirky, vibrant culture. My work at Blazer's Edge allows me to chase my journalism dream, while staying connected with the culture and community I hold so dear, despite a relocation to Chicago.While I write for a sports site, I've never wanted sports to define my work. This manifested into a satirical column for my high school paper and a crack at standup comedy in college. Both stages were spiritual predecessors to my newest passion project: The (Temporary) College Dropout. I started this blog two years ago during a semester off in the pandemic. The blog's first series reflects on my high school vision board as I attempt to complete the goals my teenage self laid out for "future me." Currently, I write about life as an emerging adult. Both series amount to a collection of 30 memoir-like essays and stories that evoke the blog's famous tagline: "Sometimes humorous. Sometimes serious. Always prestigious." With an emphasis on introspection and vulnerability, it's the strongest example of my voice. Evident throughout my portfolio, my education at Loyola Chicago was paramount in my development as a journalist. As a producer for the broadcast show Rambler Sports Locker and a sportswriter for the Loyola Phoenix, I regularly worked in fast-paced environments such as NCAA March Madness. Classes with industry professionals introduced many skills to my toolkit -- from video editing and broadcast writing to AP style and interview techniques. Loyola has provided a solid personal and professional foundation as I begin my career, one that I'm eager to build on.Bon voyage!