Journal welcomes new reporter
Published 2:08 pm Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Anna V. Smith, shown right, is an Oregon native, growing up in small town Dallas, Ore., before graduating in 2014 from the University of Oregon with two degrees in journalism and environmental studies.
“I love that journalism provides a constant learning experience, from the people I get to speak with to the places I get to see and the stories I hear that make me shift my perspective and widen my world view,” said Smith. “I love the basic storytelling aspect of journalism, and the thought that every person and place has a unique story to tell.”
Throughout college, Smith wrote and edited for two campus publications, Ethos and Envision, including three years as web editor for Envision. She also traveled to Germany, Spain, Czech Republic, and New York as well as living in West Africa for three months while interning with the Smithsonian Institution’s Gabon Biodiversity Program.
Post college, Smith worked at the Eugene Weekly, covering local news, events, profiles, book reviews and writing multiple feature stories. Her favorite cover story was an in-depth look at the dangerous declining state of native bees in the Willamette Valley.
After a few months living and working in Seattle, Smith accepted a reporting position here at the Journal, and is excited to get acquainted with the islands and the people living here.
“The San Juan Islands are an incredibly beautiful place, and I appreciate the sense of community I already feel from my short time here. Every one is quick to offer advice or a helping hand, which reminds me of the small town that I’m from,” said Smith. “The history on these islands is very rich, and I’m excited to delve into it to better understand the San Juan Island’s present and its future. I look forward to exploring the islands further, and getting to experience its natural beauty and abundant wildlife.”
If you have any news tips or story ideas, you can contact Smith by calling 378-5696 or by email at asmith@cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/sanjuanjournal.
