I was sitting at table in the 101 Tea Company on Main Street in Mansfield, not long after I arrived in town. I was there to take in the atmosphere of downtown in my new home.
A woman came in and complimented the color of my shirt just as I was preparing to leave.
That simple interaction and kindness from a stranger represents the intense friendliness and warmth I’ve found in every step I’ve taken since driving into Richland County.
Because of that reception, I’m beyond excited to start my role as the new North County/Shelby reporter here at Richland Source.
This new position is my first since graduating from Ohio University in May.
I left Athens and arrived in Richland County with a bachelor of science degree in journalism — and an insatiable desire to learn everything I can about news reporting and the Richland County community.
I just turned 22 about two weeks ago. But being a journalist has been my dream for about a decade now.
Going back to seventh grade, I first started blogging about the NBA and college basketball on any site that would let me. In Westerville, Ohio, just outside Columbus, I had ample inspiration from all over the state.
I still blog on Substack, where I run a newsletter focused on the NBA Draft titled Prospects & Concepts. The blog has existed for the last three-plus years and is something I plan to keep updated throughout my time with Richland Source. It’s a pastime that has led to several opportunities, including, in part, this position I’m writing from now.
At Ohio University, I turned this passion into a future profession, not only through the tutelage of my professors, but through involvement on campus. As a sophomore, I became involved with The Post, one of the nation’s premier student-run newspapers.
In the fall of 2023, I covered my first real beat, Division II club hockey at Ohio, before being promoted to women’s basketball in the winter. I say promotion because women’s basketball came with more responsibilities. It was my first beat under the surveillance of Ohio University’s athletic department, along with a truly detailed content plan. These responsibilities prepared me to become The Post’s sports editor in my junior year.
My work as sports editor with The Post was the most formative experience in my career thus far. I managed a staff of 20-plus student journalists, assigned to about 10 beats, helping compile enough stories for both daily web and weekly print content, all while covering the most demanding beats with my co-editor.
Overall, what I’ve made my calling card is my willingness to learn.
I try to soak up information and experience when possible, throwing myself into the situations and positions to make mistakes fast and learn from them.
At Richland Source, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone. News writing is not something I’ve put the most time into. But I’m beyond excited to take in every bit of it. I’m anxious to learn about this community in the process and start ingraining myself into it, especially in the northern part of the county.
My desire to learn is something I hope you’ll see as you read my writing. I’ll be handling mostly news, as well as feature stories on the people and places that make this community a great place to work and live.
In my free time, I’m a collector of media of all sorts. I love books, vinyl records and movies, classic and contemporary, and my apartment is lined with that obsession. You can catch me at record stores and coffee shops in the area, perusing, sipping or typing at my laptop.
If you see me out in the wild, don’t be afraid to say, “Hello!” Also, if you have any news tips, recommendations for must-hit spots in Richland, Shelby or Mansfield, or just want to talk ball or anything else, let me know at logan@richlandsource.com!
