Hello there! I’m Rebecca, the new reporter here at the paper. Yes, that means Katherine is gone. But, I will do my best to fill her shoes – I think we may even wear the same size.

A little about me: Before earning my bachelor’s degree in journalism from UW (Go Dawgs!), I worked for a small weekly newspaper in Goldendale, Wash. What! You’ve never heard of it? Well, don’t feel bad, you’re not alone. It’s a very small agriculture town in the middle of nowhere. The kind you miss if you blink while driving past it.

I love my hometown, but it was time to pursue a different adventure. With two years of journalism experience under my camera strap, I moved to the wet side of the mountains to get a little more book-smart. Boy, was I in for a surprise.

Moving from what I like to call the “Texas of Washington” to essentially the exact opposite of that was a bit of a culture shock. But, I embraced you Western Washingtonians with open arms and I am liking the result so far.

I graduated in June 2014 with a degree in journalism and a focus on environment and anthropology. I’m passionate about social issues including public health and the environment, and I think journalism offers me a great avenue to explore those interests and share them with the world.

I have an odd assortment of hobbies. I like to knit and crochet, play Super Nintendo, design websites and explore new recipes in my free time. My latest project? Crocheting pumpkin coasters for the holidays.

In short, I am a techie vegan gamer and smoothie master who wants to make an impact on communities by reporting interesting stories that inspire people to think beyond their own world. I like stories that intrigue, excite and motivate. My passion is environmental journalism, something that doesn’t get the attention it demands a lot of the time.

So here I am, community members, anxiously awaiting your news tips — my hand is practically hovering over the phone. If you see me out and about, don’t be shy. You can’t miss me; I am the short red head who always has a smile on her face.