Why were there increasing numbers of stray animals in Athens, Ohio?
To find out, I interviewed animal shelter officials. Ohio University students. The Athens County sheriff. Even landlords.
It wasn’t enough to know the stray animal numbers were rising.
I had to know why.
That’s the journalism I want to do as a new reporter at Ashland Source.
I can’t wait to get to know this lovely community as I become the newest addition to the Source team. I want to learn where events are happening, what to attend and how to get involved, but understanding why it all matters is what drives me.
In Athens, my work on the stray animal story unfolded into a much bigger issue. Should college students even own pets? Seeking the “why” changed the whole trajectory of the story.
To simply report on an event is one thing, but learning what locals think and how it affects their day-to-day lives is going to shape a good story into a great one.
I grew up in Springboro, Ohio, between Cincinnati and Dayton. My family spent summers at Dayton Dragon baseball games and the occasional Cincinnati Reds game. However, don’t be mistaken, my dad raised us all to be Pittsburgh Steelers fans before I could walk.
I graduated from Ohio University last summer with degrees in journalism and communication studies.
During my four years in Athens, I joined The Lost Flamingo Theatre Company, reported for The Post’s multimedia team, worked with Undergraduate Admissions as a campus tour guide and even appeared on an episode of “The Price Is Right!” (No, I didn’t get on stage. But I was close!)
Local journalism was one of my favorite aspects of reporting for The Post in Athens. I connected with my college town more quickly and had a better understanding of how the community operated. Not only did this help me grow as a journalist, but it allowed me to see the passion behind every project and idea.
My final semester of college was spent in Washington, D.C., interning for Wild Side Media. We covered everything from traveling Broadway productions to the Embassy Chef Challenge. This fast-paced environment taught me to adapt quickly to the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C. and master the Metro system.
Each chapter at Ohio University has taught me that every day is a live show, where anything can happen, so the potential for stories is limitless. I hope to not only share the stories of the Ashland community, but also share what makes this town and the people special.
Even though I only moved here a few days ago, I can already tell Ashland is a welcoming place, which makes everything seem a little less intimidating. Connections truly matter here, and it’s one of the reasons why I am thrilled to continue pursuing local journalism in Ashland.
My writing will feature a variety of topics, from arts and culture to education and city government. More importantly, I want to hear from YOU! What do you want from your local news?
On my days off, you’ll find me sampling cheese at Grandpa’s Cheese Barn, thrifting at local shops and occasionally wearing my Heelys.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with ideas, concerns, upcoming events or even food recommendations at abby@ashlandsource.com
Ashland, I am so excited to call you my new home.
