Rhode Islander takes on Dodge County

Last May as I was getting ready to graduate college from Franklin Pierce University, I was asked to come visit a small town called St. James, Minnesota to interview for a staff writer position with the local paper. 
I had never been to Minnesota before but I decided to fly from my hometown of Warwick, Rhode Island to Minnesota. 
That was one of the best decisions I ever made. 
During my time in college I traveled the country covering different political rallies and events, including both the GOP National Convention and the DNC National Convention, along with the Presidential Inauguration. 
While I enjoyed covering politics a lot, especially on a national stage, during my time in St. James I learned very quickly that there is something very special about covering small town communities. 
Journalism is an essential part of Democracy both on a local level and on the national level. 
As a journalist I consider myself an advocate for informing the public about what is happening in the community. 
Whether it’s something positive or negative I take my role in the public discourse very seriously and work hard to inform you the reader about what is happening in an honest and fair way. 
I graduated college with a degree in political science, and throughout my life I would never expected to become a reporter or work in the media industry. 
But then something happened. I learned about how important the role of the press is for Democracy, and I knew I wanted to be apart of it. 
In St. James, I was very fortunate to have a chance to be involved in the community.  I was on our local Chamber of Commerce Board, participated in the community theater and also made many friends and memories during my 15 months there. 
As I start my new journey in Dodge County, I also hope to become an active member of the local community. 
I am looking forward to telling the unique stories that the Dodge County community has to offer, and I look forward to meeting all of you. 
So the next time you see me at the market or at an event come up and talk to me. I would love to get to know you!