It was a little under 4 years ago, I couldn’t have imagined I would be reaching out to the Gorham Times inquiring about the Sports Editor position. I had never written anything other than papers in school (and just being honest, I wasn’t that great at that). I didn’t think of myself as a writer, but what I did have was an undeniable love for sports. I hesitantly reached out after seeing it posted multiple times, and the rest as they say, is history.
Leslie Dupuis reached out to me and was so motivating despite my lack of experience, I’m so thankful for that. With her encouragement, as well as my husband Dan’s, I accepted the position and dove in to develop my writing chops.
Nervously, I wrote my first few articles and thought to myself, “I can do this!” My very first article was about Special Olympians participating in a basketball tournament at USM. Not really knowing what I was doing, I strolled into the gym with my notepad and camera. It was such a neat experience to interview the athletes and their coaches with the hope I could write something that would resemble an article. I actually loved it.
Over the last 3 1⁄2 years I have had the privilege to write about Gorham residents, athletes of all ages and their accomplishments, as well as the many sporting activities that happen in our community. I have written about people who were devoted to their sport and worked hard to get where they are. I’ve interviewed young athletes who have overcome injuries or obstacles and never gave up. I was incredibly inspired by the brutal honesty when sharing their fight back to health.
Over the years it has been special to interview my friend Katie Ward about the Stephen Ward 9/11 Memorial 5K and to learn about her brother who meant so much to GHS sports.
As I developed my writing, I was also excited to step outside the box and write personal articles. Sharing what being a sports fan really means to me through memories with my grandfather, who meant the world to me (he was a huge Red Sox fan). And also sharing memories of my children in their youth sports and friends I’ve made along the way.
Photo courtesy of Destiny CookDestiny Cook with her son Seth at a New England Patriots game.
When COVID-19 hit, writing about sports became difficult. Fortunately people got creative with their athletic endeavors, from running 24 hour marathons to socially distant workouts, Gorham athletes showed their resilience through it all.
As for the Gorham Times staff, they are an incredibly supportive group. From generating ideas to editing help and positive reinforcement, I’m very grateful to have worked with this team.
I would really like to thank Leslie, my former Editor. Her support and patience as I began my time with the Times was unwavering. I’m not sure I could have done this without her!
I also want to acknowledge my intern this past year, Aislyn McLean. What an incredible gift she has as a freshman in high school, her work ethic was nothing short of amazing. I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes in the next 3 years!
Finally, thank you to the Gorham community for reading my articles and for the words of encouragement. I am humbled.
I want to finish by saying if you find yourself looking to volunteer, I highly recommend the Gorham Times. There are many ways to volunteer, whether it’s as a writer, selling ads, or making deliveries. Being a part of our community paper is so rewarding.
I’m proof that you don’t have to have experience. Just go for it! And while I’m signing off as the Sports Editor, it’s not goodbye. I hope to continue to contribute occasionally, and I look forward to seeing where the new Sports Editor, Katie Brown, takes her new role.
If you have a sports idea, her email is sports@gorhamtimes.com. You’ll be hearing from her soon!