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Our view: Northwest busing situation raises many questions

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Toohil announces $290K in state funding for local fire, EMS companies

<p>When I woke up Tuesday morning, I knew it was going to be a good day.</p><p>Not because of any social events or work appointments, but because I had something different and fun on the agenda: speaking to students at Wyoming Valley West Middle School for Career Day.</p><p>I spent three years at that same school, and to be back, albeit for just three hours, felt nostalgic.</p><p>I remember sitting in the same classroom in which I spoke, learning about protons and neutrons in eighth-grade science class.</p><p>Career Day was a morning filled with area professionals speaking to students who selected various sessions they were interested in.</p><p>I spoke about journalism/writing/publishing, and the reasons why I got involved in this career more than a decade ago.</p><p>I was inspired by great teachers, then eventually great mentors who I met doing internships, namely Kathy Bozinski of WBRE fame, Renita Fennick during her time as city editor at this publication and college professors Melissa Sgroi and Jayne Klenner who encouraged real-world experience and internships.</p><p>That was a message I passed on during my Tuesday speaking as well: get the real-world experience. Get out there and soak up as many experiences as possible because that is truly the best way to learn and grow.</p><p>I was nervous walking into the Times Leader for the first time. The newsroom was a hectic place, with lots of commotion and people running in and out on their various missions of the day. I was a 20-year-old intern.</p><p>I got right to work when I pitched an economic story in an editorial meeting. I was told to make the phone calls, gather the facts and write the story &#8211; on my own. Nervous and unsure at first, I put my college-learned skills to work and did it. There was such a rush seeing my byline in print for the first time, but the even bigger satisfaction I came to realize was the impact my articles would have on the community.</p><p>I told the students being a journalist is a public service. It&#8217;s a position to take very seriously because they would constantly be affecting others&#8217; opinions.</p><p>It&#8217;s a demanding career, but also very fulfilling.</p><p>The next day was a day focused on careers somewhat as well, as the Times Leader honored the recently chosen Distinctive Women on 2019.</p><p>We honored them in a special publication last weekend, then hosted a luncheon on Wednesday at Ruth&#8217;s Chris Steak House at Mohegan Sun Pocono.</p><p>The menu consisted of favorites like seared ahi tuna, veal osso buco ravioli, steak house or Caesar salad and a specialty cake with ice cream.</p><p>It was a special day to honor a phenomenal group of women who are doing big things both in the workplace and community.</p><p>It was an honor to mingle with them and get to hear a little about each of their lives.</p><p>Not to mention a meal at Ruth&#8217;s Chris is never a bad way to spend a Wednesday.</p><style>
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<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>Mike McGinley</p><p>Around Town</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Mike McGinley is the Times Leader Media Group&#8217;s major accounts executive. Reach him at mmcginley@www.timesleader.com or 570-704-3945.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Around town: Speaking to students and honoring our Distinctive Women