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As many of you have probably noticed by now, where James’ name once was, my name has taken his place. Let me formally introduce myself to you all — hi, I’m Avery, and I’m so excited to be here. My favorite color is yellow, my favorite movie is “50 First Dates,” my favorite food is sushi, and my favorite book is “1984” by George Orwell. I also graduated from JMU in May, go Dukes!

I went to high school in Virginia Beach and currently live in Chesapeake with my parents, our pup, Sloane, and our kitty, Bean. Outside of the newspaper, I enjoy reading, eating, and taking walks in the sunshine.

In college, I studied Journalism and Communications and was involved with The Breeze, the student paper, for all four years I was there. I started out as a culture writer, then worked my way up the ladder to become culture editor and then managing editor. I was there during ESPN College GameDay, when JMU earned a trip to its first bowl game, when we got a new football coach, and when our president left. I miss it dearly, but I am very much looking forward to this next chapter of my life.

Throughout college, I always knew journalism was what I wanted to do, but the specifics constantly changed. Originally, I wanted to be on a radio show like NPR, then I wanted to be a news anchor on TV. I didn’t really fall in love with writing until I started working for the JMU paper.

I quickly realized this is what I want to do with my life. I felt like I could truly make a difference by telling other people’s stories. I love meeting new people and learning new things, and it excites me how much good is actually happening in the world around us if we take a second to look for it and listen to others.

My favorite stories to tell are ones that focus on individuals doing great things. I like to highlight small business owners, non-profit organizations, local artists and musicians, and anyone else who has an impactful story to share. I’ve had a great time meeting some of you already and I can’t wait to meet more of you.

The Suffolk News-Herald is my first career job out of college, and it’s exactly what I’d hoped for. Working for a small, home-grown, local newspaper is where I wanted to end up after college, and I did it. There’s nothing more important than local journalism, and it’s an honor to be a part of it.

If you see me at a school board meeting or out at an event, don’t hesitate to come chat with me, I am always willing to have a conversation. And, if you think of a story worth telling, my inbox is always open at avery.goodstine@suffolknewsherald.com.
Although I live in Chesapeake, I have already come to love this city and I promise I will do my very best to tell its stories well.