TimesLeader.com

Turning the page

Dear Readers,

click image to enlarge

Shelby Fisk

Select images available for purchase in the
Times Leader Photo Store

“Storytelling is an ancient and honorable act. An essential role to play in the community or tribe. It’s one that I embrace wholeheartedly and have been fortunate enough to be rewarded for,” Russell Banks.

I’m happy to let you know that I’m fortunate and I’ve been rewarded. I am happy to tell you that I am officially a Times Leader Scranton Edition employee, even though it means that I will be leaving the Abington community.

In November of 2007, you were first introduced to me as a soon-to-be intern, working on The Abington Journal’s 60th anniversary edition. I officially started my internship in January of 2008 and continued until April of last year, covering Clarks Green and Abington Township meetings, writing school, community and even some sports stories.

Before my internship ended, I was offered a part-time position with the paper.

Over the past year, you’ve read my stories and viewed my photography for The Abington Journal where I’ve worked as a part-time employee. Since last April, you’ve gotten to know me. I’ve been all over town, working on every special section, covering AAJRB meetings, writing school and feature stories, breaking news stories, and working on ongoing coverage. In total, I have written over 150 articles and traveled to corners of the Abingtons that I never knew existed.

During my tenure at The Abington Journal I was also a student at Keystone College, busy with classes and school work as well.

I will be graduating on Saturday, May 16 with my Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts and Humanities and have been hoping to find a full-time position (preferably within the company).

I’m very happy that I was offered the full-time job for Times Leader Scranton Edition on the spot, during my interview. I will be a reporter and photographer for the publication that is up and coming and look forward to helping the paper develop into something the Scranton area will know and love.

Through all that I’ve done here and all the guidance Kristie, The Abington Journal Editor has given me, I know I’ve learned enough and grown enough to flourish on my own and help another paper succeed.

The Abington area is a place where I’ve really developed as a writer- in school and at work. During this past semester, Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. you could find me at one of two locations: Keystone College or The Abington Journal 211 South State Street office.

I’ve grown so much in this community and although it’s been hard uprooting my feet, and packing up my desk, I am excited about this new endeavor, this new chapter in my life.

Thank you for your support, news tips and interesting stories.

In my time here I’ve heard a lot of people comment on how much they enjoy The Abington Journal, but the paper wouldn’t be what it is without such a wonderful community.

Be sure to keep Kristie, Don, Nate and the newest staff member, Adam, well informed on what’s going on.

And if you ever hear anything about events in Scranton or want to contact me, my new email is sfisk@scrantonedition.com or you can call the Times Leader at 829-7242 and ask to be connected with me.

Thank you for helping prepare me for all that is ahead,

Shelby Fisk