MANSFIELD — #importedfrompennsylvania. That’s me, and proudly so, as the Keystone state has been my home for the past 21 years.
That’s what Richland Source publisher, Jay Allred tweeted about me on Monday, April 3, my first day as a staff reporter.
Born and raised in Butler County, Pennsylvania — located about an hour north of Pittsburgh and known as the birthplace of the Jeep — I’m the newest member of the Richland Source team, where my primary responsibility will be business reporting.
Earlier this year former Richland Source reporter Dillon Carr moved to Pittsburgh to write for the Tribune Review, opening this position for me. Ironically, I just finished an internship with the Butler Eagle, a newspaper near Pittsburgh.
The staff talks fondly of his days in the newsroom. But I hope all of Richland County can find a place in its heart for this energetic, young reporter, who enjoys cooking, the outdoors and occasional extreme couponing.
I know I’ve already fallen in love with the community.
I grew up in a large, but close-knit family with my parents and two younger sisters. My father has 12 siblings, and most reside in or near Butler County. So I’ve been fortunate to build strong relationships with my extended family. They’ve all been cheering me on as I’ve followed my passion for journalism through high school, college and now into Ohio.
My mother, Mary, lived in Pittsburgh until she met my father, Thomas, who owns an Auto Body Shop with my uncle in Butler. I’d argue they are possibly perfect parents. Perhaps their only mistake was allowing me to drink coffee at age 6. I’ve relied on it every morning since.
My 20-year-old sister Jenna has always been mistaken as my twin because of our similar physical traits. She is studying to become a teacher. Cecilia, the youngest and tallest of our brood, is a junior in high school.
We also have what we call a “mini farm,” which includes goats, chickens, rabbits, a miniature horse and more.
I first found a fascination for journalism at a young age, joining my first staff in seventh grade. I would become co-editor during my senior year at Butler High School.
I then attended Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, a snowy college town just a short drive south of Erie. I studied Journalism and Public Relations with a Business minor and found my best friend, long-time boyfriend and biggest supporter, Nicholas Leturgey.
I’ve worked with the Butler Eagle newspaper as a social media and news reporter intern and at Erie Homes for Children and Adults in the development department.
I will certainly miss Pennsylvania, but I’m excited to be in Ohio. I look forward to meeting Richland Source readers and learning more about this colorful community.
Follow me on Twitter @Tracy_Geibel.
