Letter from the editor — July

By Stephanie Fellenstein | | No Comments »

I realized something last month.

I was working on an article and had to head out to the Portage County Airport. I know I could have handled the interview over the phone, but my journalism professors still whisper in my ear — to truly get to know subjects, it is much better to see them in their natural habitat, so to speak.

I could easily have gotten some of the information I needed over the phone. But the real story would have remained untold. On the phone I would not have seen the well-worn Ohio map tacked to the bulletin board. Or heard the ancient refrigerator rumble as the motor kicked on. I would have missed the easy camaraderie between two friends as they sat in lawn chairs in the hangar recounting their recent trip. And I never would have seen the bright yellow plane as it swooped in for a landing before rolling to a stop on the pavement. All of those details weave in and out of the facts, helping to make my article even stronger — painting a picture with words.

OK, back to my realization: I love my job. I get to learn something new every day. I meet new people and hang out in their worlds for a bit. I can see and feel and hear about their passions; what’s important to them in life.

I have been lucky enough to write about preschoolers and high schoolers, businessmen, artists and historians. I have climbed over obstacle courses, ridden along on a police officer’s night shift and watched performances. Each experience is unique and I have enjoyed every one of them.

So, you tell me. What should I do next?

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