I must credit Lauren and Tim Parker for this column. What I thought was going to be a short interview ended up being an hour and a half conversation (it’s not often you get to meet someone who’s heard of my birthplace, Camp Lejeune, let alone was recently stationed there). After the interview concluded we swapped a few military stories – well, ones I heard growing up on bases – and the tables were turned as the friendly couple asked me about my profession.
I don’t mind having the questions thrown at me as long as I can remain behind the camera lens and not in front of it. Here are a few they asked me:
Do I like what I do?
I truly do. The hours are sometimes long – especially the night before deadline – and it can be very stressful, but I get to meet people and provide information to my neighbors about our community. It may be ego, but I feel local journalists can make an impact on where they live. I take that role seriously because I want Current in Noblesville to be recognized as the source of information. I want it to be a place that provides news and events readers care about and also is entertaining.
What do I prefer to write about?
If I enjoy writing a story, I hope that comes across and the readers will enjoy reading it. Human interest stories tend to have aspects that draw people in and charismatic interviewees make for great stories. However, there are some stories that just need to be told because of their importance. Many may not care about the common council until a decision impacts them. Since there are a lot of empty chairs surrounding me at meetings, it’s my job to let people know what’s happening at the local government level.
What do I like about my job?
It’s a blessing and a curse, but I enjoy meeting people. Unfortunately with the number of years I have been covering Noblesville (nine for those of you wondering), nothing is “quick and easy” anymore. I often joke with my wife that I should be heading home soon.Then an hour passes and I call her back saying I’m just now leaving. I try to attend as many public events as possible and usually that includes running into several people I know.