The Journal will be were I start my journalism career after graduating from Ohio University. While in school, I earned a scholarship to do a three-month internship overseas in Jakarta Indonesia at the Jakarta Post. After my internship I moved to the Northwest from Ohio to enjoy the fresh air and start searching for work.

While I was originally born in Youngstown Ohio, and my family lives there now, I have lived all over the country. Places like Fayetteville NC, Oxford Mississippi, Sedalia MO, St. Louis MO, Leadville CO, Athens OH and Atchison KS. I’m used to living in cities, communities and demographics of all shapes and sizes. Being new in town is nothing new to me, and is actually a situation I’m quite comfortable with.

I learned to follow the news at a young age as a result of moving around. It was a lonely life as a kid, and following the news allowed me to stay engaged and relate to people when I was new. I decided to after finishing one year at St. Louis Community College (STLCC).

I transferred to Ohio University, and once I enrolled, I learned of the John R Wilhelm Foriegn Correspondence Scholarship, which is given by the journalism school at Ohio U every year to graduating seniors to cover all expenses for a three month internship overseas. I made that my goal the day I enrolled and last year I realized that goal and spent three months in Jakarta.

Un-biased has often been the word used to describe a virtuous reporter. However I feel fair is a better word. Our biases allow us to be rooted into our community and the truth. The words of those looking to manipulate, lie or deceive the public should not carry the same weight on a newspaper page as the words of honest thoughtful people. My goal here at the Journal is to be an honest, well, rounded, and professional reporter with the goal helping to build the community however I can.