3 QUESTIONS FOR JENNIFER MCCLELLAN

Jennifer McClellan is the dining-news reporter, covering restaurant openings and closings, food and menu trends, chefs’ movements and Arizona food producers. She has worked at The Arizona Republic since 2009 and is a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.

Why did you choose a career as a journalist?

I realized early in life that I wasn’t suited for a typical 9-to-5 desk job. Journalism allows me to talk to new people — and tell their stories — on a daily basis.

Are there any misconceptions about what you do?

People assume my job is to eat free food at all the hip, new restaurants that open. Wouldn’t that be grand? It’s far less glamorous than that. And we pay for our meals.

If you weren’t a reporter, what career would you have chosen instead?

I love animals, especially big cats like tigers and cheetahs. I’ve always thought it would be neat to work with them at a zoo or be part of a crew documenting them in the wild.

How to reach jennifer.mcclellan@arizonarepublic.com. Twitter @JenMcClel