OPINION
4 QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS
www.presspubs.com
JUNE 13, 2023
Let me introduce myself
I
am Sebastian Studier, a summer intern at Press Publications. I graduated from Forest Lake Area High School in 2021 and just completed my junior year at Bethel University, where I am majoring in English education and minoring in journalism. At Bethel, I have explored my journalistic interests by serving as the sports reporter for the student newspaper, the Clarion, in addition to completing a spring semester internship in writing with Bethel’s athletic department where I wrote game recaps as well as feature stories. I also play on Bethel’s club hockey team and serve as a BUILD student mentor, tutoring and serving as a mentor for students with intellectual disabilities. Sebastian’s Rewinding a bit, I was born in Maplewood and spent the majority Script of my early childhood life in Cottage Grove from age zero to 5. I attended Sebastian my first day of kindergarten at Columbus Elementary, and my Studier family shortly thereafter moved to Columbus, where I still reside today. Growing up, my days were filled with school of course, but sports, and then more sports. My elementary school days were spent playing a full plate of baseball, basketball, hockey, and lacrosse before I attended Century Junior High and eventually, Forest Lake High School where I narrowed down my sports interest to lacrosse alone and played through my senior year. This summer, I will be growing as a journalist and professional at Press Publications, working a fulltime internship through the week, coming into the office Monday through Friday while spending my weekends ideally outdoors, avoiding mosquitoes, and spending time with the people that matter to me. My internship at Press Publications will last through the three months of summer and I will be working a full 40 hours per week. In my first few days in the office, I have been impressed with both the friendliness and interconnectedness that exists in the building. I have seen many different smiling faces and have already received valuable advice from multiple different voices. From the news department where I will be working, to the sales department, to the production department, and beyond, it feels like a team rather than a collection of individuals. Growing up competing as a member of multiple sports teams, I know that a successful team is one that features unique individuals with individual strengths but works together towards a common goal utilizing teamwork. I can sense this team atmosphere already at Press Publications. I’ve always had a passion and drive to write. Writing always came easily to me, and I always found that I could say what I couldn’t put into words aloud into writing. I remember my parents always telling me before I went to college to minor in something you’re passionate about, and that’s what I did. Although I aspire to become a high school English teacher, I truly believe that my journalistic experience will weave itself into my future career in some fashion, whether that be teaching journalism classes to high school students while advising a student lead newspaper, or simply continuing to write freelance in my spare time. Even though I don’t see myself working as a real-life journalist in the future, I still look forward to the invaluable experience and opportunities that my summer spent in this newsroom will create for me, whether those experiences contribute to educating the next generation of journalists, or even pull me into a fullon career change, because you just never know, after all.
Sebastian Studier is a summer intern at Press Publications.
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Quad sweet Quad
et’s be honest, the Quad Area is not a tourist hot spot. We don’t have any significant natural wonders or historic landmarks, no bustling downtown or big draws. And that’s okay! As summer gets in full swing many are making plans to take some sort of a trip. Exploring the state, country or world is Movers & fantastic but at some point, even Shakers on a memorable trip, you look Michelle forward to going Koch home. Home is what we do best in the Quad Area. While we may not have anything Travel Channel worthy, what we do have makes this a great place to call home. We have beautiful parks, safe communities, high-ranking schools, employment options and more and that’s why the Quad Area is home to over 30,000 residents. People who care are what make a community special. I’m fortunate in my role with the chamber to get a front-row seat to witness those people in action. The chamber works with the Centennial School District, city leadership, churches and nonprofit organizations where everyone
is working to enrich our community. If you’d like to play a role in that I’d encourage you to look into volunteer opportunities as everyone is looking for engaged community members. We’ve partnered with the Chain of Lakes Rotary and the local Lions Clubs, both groups offer different opportunities but at their core, they’re on a mission to serve and they’d love to get more people involved. With that said, I’d also like to challenge you to explore the Quad Area. Have you tried all of the great local restaurants? Paddled a local lake? Taken in the waterski show? Visited the Wargo Nature Center? Summer is the perfect time to explore your community. Another way to make the most of the summer and enjoy your area is by taking part in local festivals. Festival season is upon us and Blue Heron Days and Fete Des Lacs are just around the corner. Make a point to take in what these festivals have to offer! Centerville celebrates Fete Des Lacs July 11–16 and Lino Lakes holds Blue Heron Days Aug. 17-20. As part of each, the Quad Area Chamber holds business expos on July 15 and Aug. 17 to help showcase local businesses and artisans. For all of the details visit quadchamber.org and look under events. In addition to all of these fun activities, our area has
some fun places to work. When Fairview vacated their location in Lino Lakes I was curious what that space would become. Recently, I was able to meet with the new owners and tour both Renstrom Dental Studio and Thielen & Green Architecture + Design. The space has completely transformed from a typical clinic to upscale, modern offices. Dozens of people are employed in a variety of hightech positions and is exciting to see how things evolve. The chamber offers residents and businesses opportunities to come together. We host Lunch & Learns, Nosh & Network Happy Hour, ribbon cuttings, Sip & Learn for Seniors, and more, follow the chamber’s social media to see what’s #coolinthequad and scan this QR code to view the community calendar! The Quad Area is a great place to call home and we’re richer together! Michelle Koch, Quad Area Chamber of Commerce President
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