Melanie Porter

About

Growing up, I decided it was essential that my family had a newspaper. Of course, I took on the role of publisher, editor, writer, illustrator, designer and distributor. "The Porter Times" was composed on a single sheet of printer paper and had a section of what was coming up for the family, a summary of the previous week, trivia, a comic, and any articles I would collect from my siblings.Each Sunday, I'd print off the paper and hang it in the front entry of our home. During the week, visitors would come inside and immediately go to where I would publish the issues each week. It was my first experience where I felt the power of my storytelling. I didn't know it then, but it was the first time I fell in love with writing, journalism and communications.As I've gone through school newspapers, college TV and radio programs, and a newsroom, my passion remains the same. I'm empowered by telling the stories of those around me. Sharing stories of my community is a privilege but listening to and learning from individuals is a gift that has changed my life.