Wearing a new hat
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Sometimes things just don’t work out. So, you adjust. That’s the simple answer as to why I’m filling in as interim editor for the Valley Journal.
Truth be told, I’m happy to serve our communities as editor, advertising sales representative, reporter, copy editor, graphic artist, delivery person or in whatever role necessary to deliver the local news. (Just hopefully, not all at once.)
As I’m sure most of us in today’s busy world know, wearing a variety of hats is sometimes necessary. Since co-founding this newspaper six years ago, I have served in all of the aforementioned roles.
As much as I enjoy working with the business community in advertising sales, serving as editor will broaden my interaction with the entire community.
I’d like to begin by telling you a little bit about myself.
I’ve had passion for the written word for as long as I can remember. A passion kindled by a love of reading. (Thanks, Mom!)
My first short story, a fictional piece, was published when I was in the sixth grade. Reading the words from the published page, I felt a sense of pride as well as responsibility and … what was this … criticism?
I remember thinking to myself, I could’ve phrased that better. Though I consider it a combined blessing and curse to be such a critical reader, I know this trait will serve me well as editor.
All personal brow-beating put aside, I continued writing, had a short poem published in the seventh grade and went on to join the staff of the student newspaper, the Salishian, in high school. During my years with the Salishian I discovered a new joy, photography.
This made photojournalism, the art of storytelling through photography and writing, an obvious choice for college study.
Four years later I graduated from the University of Montana with bachelor's degrees in Journalism (photo emphasis) and Spanish. Just to make things interesting, as well as challenging, I added a minor in anthropology.
Within two years a unique opportunity arose. Starting the Valley Journal newspaper with five amazingly kind and gifted people is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.
Although it requires hard work and steadily presents me with new challenges, my love for community journalism continues to grow.
I consider myself lucky to work in a profession I enjoy and alongside talented, hard-working professionals.
As the Valley Journal prepares to turn six years old, it dawns on me that over time, this newspaper has taken on a life of its own.
Its pages are filled, not only with the work of our outstanding reporters, sales representatives and graphic artists – but also with your words. Your letters, news submissions, calendar announcements and more give breath to our newspaper. The Valley Journal has become the voice of the valley.
We continue to be “your homegrown newspaper.”
Please join us on Friday, Sept. 17 as we celebrate our sixth birthday during the monthly Ronan Roundup. We will host an open house at our office located on the corner of 4th and Main in Ronan. For more information please call 676-8989.
See you there.
