Farewell and thank you!
When I moved to Lennoxville and started to read The Record, I couldn’t fathom how a local, English newspaper still published daily. Fast forward to the present day, as my four-month internship at The Record comes to a close, I no longer have any doubts as to the reason. Even after one day working at the offices, anyone could recognize the passion of the reporters, editors, and staff who genuinely care about keeping the Townships informed. Although I could most likely fill every page of The Record with reminiscent stories about my summer as a reporter, I instead would like to turn my focus onto a few moments that speak to my experience.
During my time, I further solidified my belief about the vital importance of local journalism. Gordon Lambie’s coverage on the members of the Rodriguez-flores family taking sanctuary at Sherbrooke’s Plymouthtrinity United Church was one of those instances that stuck with me. After refusing efforts at extortion and forced recruitment into the local drug trade, the family received threats and actions from drug cartels that gave them reason to fear for their lives, causing them to flee Mexico into Canada. Since
November of last year, the family has lived in the basement of the church to avoid a deportation order that would send them back to the danger. I hope his reporting on the subject continues to put pressure on the government.
Being a reporter during the passing of Bill 96 was a sobering experience. I am proud of the detailed coverage The Record provided, which was published for months before and after the passing of the bill.
Local newspapers cannot survive without readership, so I would also like to acknowledge the involvement of Townshippers in their community. Whether positive, negative, or somewhere in between, letters to the editor, phone calls, and emails show just how much the area cares about what transpires in the community. I have had a first row seat to see how local journalism builds social cohesion and encourages political participation.
I would like to thank Sharon, Matthew, Gordon, and the entire team for giving me the opportunity to improve my reporting skills, learn about local issues, and familiarize myself with the Townships. Matthew, our managing editor, was such a large help in pushing me to improve my writing and widen the breadth of my stories. When I needed help brainstorming, he somehow materialized dozens of ideas out of thin air. He answered my many questions with patience and provided many tips on how to better my articles.
As I start my graduate studies in journalism at Western, I am thankful to possess these newfound writing, interviewing, and critical thinking skills that I learned at The Record. Although I will miss living in the Townships, I am thankful that The Record will keep me up to date about what happens in the community while I’m away.