MANSFIELD – There are only so many moments in life that you can count on one hand and say “that’s when it all changed.” For me, this is one of them.
I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, always loving big cities and considering myself a “city girl.” However, the one downside to the city life is not having that sense of community.
When I moved to Mansfield six months ago for my first job as a reporter with the Shelby Daily Globe, I found myself wanting to get involved more with the Mansfield community and seeing it grow. And Richland Source was the perfect way to do that.
I earned my bachelor’s degree at Kent State University in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. The major takeaways from my experience there are all in thanks to the professors who guided me, challenged me and believed in my voice.
Writing, in any form, has always been a method of expression for me, the effects of social anxiety always preventing me putting myself in the spotlight. Instead, I’d rather spend my life highlighting others.
What interests me most about people is their ability to adapt, change and continue to move forward despite the circumstances they go through. I know that’s not the case for some, but I’ve found that looking at someone who’s been through similar situations as you and overcame them can provide feelings of hope, and sometimes that’s all you need to turn your life around.
With any story I write, I want there to be a purpose or some meaning behind it. I have not successfully done my job otherwise.
As the thrive reporter, I’m making it my mission to dig deeper into the Mansfield community and find those stories that haven’t been told or have been ignored. This intimate, growing community deserves it.
In my first week at Richland Source alone I know that there’s a wonderful team behind me, willing me to expand my horizons and shoot for galaxies beyond the moon.
With this serendipitous opportunity I’ve been given, I don’t plan on wasting it. I plan on telling stories that you will all find something to take away from and continue to learn and hone my craft as a storyteller.
If you have any ideas for me or would like to see a topic covered, feel free to contact me at tierra@richlandsource.com.
