#MediaMonday – Ryan Abella
Recently, I had another opportunity to travel the state to meet with some members of the media and secure coverage for one of our clients, The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health. This trip, I had the opportunity to meet and work with Ryan Abella, technology and entertainment reporter at the Kingman Daily Miner.
Ryan is originally from the Kingman area but spent the last three years in South Korea teaching English and working for an international publishing company. Ryan graduated from Northern Arizona University where he received his degree in Electronic Media and Film.
In his free time Ryan enjoys coaching soccer and taking photos.
Ryan lives in Kingman right down the street from sister and his niece and nephew!
So, Ryan, time to share!
What do you want to tell the blogosphere about yourself today?
I’m a newcomer to print journalism, previously making documentaries and educational videos in places like Korea, Thailand, New Zealand and Kenya. Settling back down after years of traveling has taken some getting used to and while I’m sure I’ll use my passport again, for the time being I’m looking forward to writing and developing my career here at home.
I grew up in Kingman reading the Kingman Daily Miner. When I was traveling, the Miner was my link back home. No matter where I was or what I was doing, I was still in the know and keeping tabs on my community and what was going on.
Working here has really strengthened that bond between me and my hometown. Growing up in a small town, you always dream about getting out and seeing the world. You feel like your hometown is somehow binding you, and that you’ve seen everything it has to offer.
The months I’ve worked here have shown me otherwise. Talking with the people here as a reporter, diving into the history of Kingman, and learning to be a conduit between the community and readers has really brought Kingman to life from my point of view. Even after living here on and off for 20 years, this town still surprises me. It’s refreshing to reconnect to the people and places here, now with the responsibility of telling their story.
