Here's an introduction to myself and the innovative blog co-moderator, Heather Leszczewicz:
Community Manager Tara May Tesimu
Q. What's your journalism background?
A. I can't remember a time I wasn't doing some form of journalism. I was editor-in-chief of my middle school paper in 8th grade, held the same position at my high school paper and started at Michigan State University's student daily when I was a sophomore. I then worked for two daily newspapers in New Mexico and Michigan before coming with my family to Chicagoland.
Q. What drew you to TribLocal?
A. TribLocal is innovative--using new media and technology to transform the way we think about local news. But it is also a return to the roots of journalism, in which we are working hard to foster a community discussion. We want everyone to have a voice, and we encourage not only thoughtful and unique contributions to our site and print edition, but through comments and feedback in any and all formats. I believe we are creating a model that works--not only for news but for true community engagement.
Q. What do you like about covering Highland Park, Highwood, Deerfield, Lake Forest and Lake Bluff?
A. It doesn't take long to realize people in these towns are extremely dedicated to their communities. And why wouldn't they be? The communities are intelligent, passionate, vibrant and beautiful. The people who reside here work hard to make them great places to live, work and play--now and for future generations.
Q. What do you do when you're not working at TribLocal?
A. I am the mom of a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old, so a good chunk of my time is spent chasing tricycles, reading books out loud, finger-painting projects and playing at the park. My husband, Sammy, is a tennis pro, so I often find myself on a court pretending I can actually swing a racket. If I find a moment to myself, I love independent films, concerts, reading (actual grown-up books) and swimming. I also love weekend trips back to the small town where I grew up in Michigan to see my family and have a bonfire.
Q. If you weren't a journalist, what career would you have?
A. If you weren't a journalist? That sounds like a foreign language to me. Teach journalism at a university? I think I'd also be interested in psychology, so I could still work with people and write.
Reach Tara by calling 708-498-4130, e-mailing ttesimu@tribune.com, on Twitter @triblocaltara or on Facebook.
Community Manager Heather Leszczewicz
Q. What's your journalism background?
A. I've always known I wanted to be a writer. I wasn't a kid wavering between several different aspirations. I got into the Internet early and started e-mail newsletters focusing on things that interested me or girlie advice. I started interning for a PR/Marketing firm while at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights and I worked for the school newspaper, the Viator Voice.
I majored in journalism at Marquette University and graduated. I worked at the Marquette Tribune as a jack-of-all-trades--reporter, copy editor, editor and designer--as well as the literary/news magazine the Marquette Journal. And I spent a year and a half as an intern for Milwaukee's online daily magazine OnMilwaukee.com.
I graduated in 2007, moved back to Illinois and started a position with the Chicago Sun-Times' hyperlocal, citizen journalism Web site NeighborhoodCircle.com, which is defunct. Now I'm at TribLocal which allows me to report, photograph, design and work online.
Q. What drew you to TribLocal?
A. I had already been introduced to citizen journalism at my last job and I love it. I know there are plenty of important things happening in communities that aren't getting covered. And TribLocal allows residents to have some control over their news and learn what's happening right down the block. I'm a big believer in user participation, which is why I also love (okay, am addicted to) social media. TribLocal gets the community involved.
Q. What do you like about covering Lincolnshire, Lake Zurich, Vernon Hills, Libertyville and Mundelein?
A. I previously had the chance to explore Libertyville, Vernon Hills and Mundelein and now I'm getting a chance to learn more about Lincolnshire and Lake Zurich. There's a beauty in all these communities and residents have such pride when it comes to their town. And everyone I've met has been so nice. I've also liked discovering some of the local treasures.
Q. What do you do when you're not working at TribLocal?
A. I watch a lot of TV and movies. I have a DVD collection that rivals some rental places. I love to read for fun. I've been trying to cook more, but my kitchen has limited counter space.
Q. If you weren't a journalist, what career would you have?
A. Like I said, I always wanted to be a writer. If I was forced to choose something else, I think I'd enjoy being a photographer most. I love making coffee table books full of photos and taking photos of scenery.
Read the original post on Chicago Now.
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