When I started as editor for The Southern Berks News almost two years ago, I had little knowledge of newspaper production, and even less knowledge of Berks County.
I accepted the position as editor and moved from my home in Allentown to Pottstown. I found an apartment with my classmate from Kutztown University and the editor of The Boyertown Area Times, Rebecca Blanchard, to save myself the commute and live closer to the office.
Being roommates with a co-worker would most likely be a less than ideal situation for some, but in my case, it could not have worked out better. Working for Berks-Mont Newspapers was the first full-time position I’ve had since graduating from college. Luckily, working with someone I went to school with was the perfect introduction that allowed me to merge into the work force – definitely something I could not have expected. If I had a question about procedure, the system, production, who to contact, or how to do anything, Becca was there to lend a helping hand at any hour of the day. Our work conversations and brainstorming sessions often trailed from the office back to our apartment, which had us often cutting ourselves off from “work talk.”
Being an editor for a weekly newspaper is a 24/7 type of position, where during the day you are expected to be at the office, where in the evenings you must run to cover local municipal and school board meetings and where weekends are often filled with attending local fairs and school functions. I have since become better at scheduling my time, and those of the freelancers, to give myself some time away from the job. But living with someone who was on just as crazy a schedule as I was made it all the easier for me to succeed in the position.
Prior to my residency in Pottstown, I rarely attended events in Berks County. Since starting with Berks-Mont, I have spent a good portion of my time driving on Route 422, headed to and from meetings, interviews, and events, finding my way around. But, my favorite way of learning the area was by using the Schuylkill River Trail, often times riding my bicycle from my apartment, all the way up to the City of Reading and back. When events were in Amity, Douglassville, or Birdsboro, I would often try to arrive by bicycle instead of in my car. The reactions from those seeing me arrive by bike were always entertaining. At the Animal Rescue League’s Spring Open House & Easter Egg Hunt last year, the Easter bunny mimed that I was “crazy” for riding my bicycle all that way. It’s my belief that not using the trail to get from one place to another is much crazier than getting some exercise, experiencing nature and saving on gas.
When I showed up at Corner House Farm, Douglassville, the owner of the riding school said “I didn’t expect to see the reporter show up on bike!” It is these little comments that both bring a smile to my face, stick with me and encourage me to get back in the saddle time and time again.
I have had a great time working for Berks-Mont Newspapers, establishing connections in the community and even making life-long friends. Thank you to all the readers of The Southern Berks News, it’s been a pleasure getting to know you and the area you call your home.
Just as when I took this job close to two years ago, I am continuing to follow my dreams as I move cross-country with my cousin to Colorado.
Thank you to everyone who has helped me in my journey, family, friends and those I’m met along the way. As I wrap up my final column for Berks-Mont Newspapers, I need to wish a very Happy 22nd Birthday to my little brother, James! Come visit me in the Mile High City!
No matter where I am, I will always remember that I, like The Beatles, get by with a little help from my friends.
