Monday, November 10, 2025
When I graduated from Hofstra with my journalism degree, I had no idea how my career would start. I live about 40 minutes away from Oceanside and Island Park. I don’t think I had been to Oceanside or Island Park before I was hired, or explored Nassau County to the extent I now have. However, the way I got to know the communities, they now feel like a second home, and that is because of how warmly members of the community always received me.
Being a hyperlocal community journalist is a privilege. You get to know community members on a level arguably not found anywhere else in the field, and it was so much fun to meet and get to know so many people and be in rooms I’d never be in had I not had the job I have. I learned so much in 4 years, and the most fulfilling part of the experience is hearing from community members that the work I was doing was making a positive impact in their lives.
When I posted on Facebook that I would be departing the Herald, the outreach from community members and colleagues was a pleasant surprise. You never really take time to think about the impact you or the work you do has on others, and it was heartwarming to see so many kind words about me and the work I did.
I believe journalism is about people. In a time where distrust in media is at an all-time high, it is more important than ever to be able to meet with and speak to all different types of people and hear various perspectives to tell an accurate story.
That is the only way for trust to be repaired between the media and the public, and I was able to do my part in helping that. I’ve reported for Oceanside/Island Park, Bellmore-Merrick, Lynbrook/East Rockaway, Glen Cove, Nassau, Franklin Square/Elmont, Wantagh-Seaford, and Hempstead. That may be a Herald record.
I’ve spoken to many people and tried to make myself as available as possible because everybody should have a chance to have their voice heard. Being able to tell your stories and inform you on the news that was important to you, honestly and impartially, was important to me.
I’ve grown a lot since I first started, and by no means has it all been perfect, but I couldn’t think of a better place to start my career.
I thank former executive editor Scott Brinton for giving me the opportunity and my editors Jim Harmon and Jeff Bessen for helping me improve as a writer and reporter. And a special thank you to the Oceanside/Island Park community, where I spent the bulk of my four years, for allowing me to tell their stories and always being fair and good to me. It was fun, and I’ve made long-lasting connections within the communities I covered, as well as amazing friendships and connections with several fellow reporters, for which I am thankful.
I’ll still be doing the work I love, and it won’t be hard to find. Those who want to reach me will still be able to, and I hope that any incoming reporters take the time to get to know their community and the people in it, and hear as many voices out as possible.
That’s what makes community journalism fun — people. I’ll carry everything I learned here into what comes next, always rooted in the belief that journalism is about people — and I thank the community for showing me that every day.
