I can say with pride, not ego – that I am a truly accomplished journalist. I have been Editor-In-Chief of three newspapers, Assistant Publisher of one daily – and Publisher of three. I was even the youngest Editor-In-Chief in the State of New York. And now, I am a member of the Strategic Communications Team for the United States Army. So it is fair to say that I have had a pretty illustrious career. I remember when I first started out and how excited I was when I saw my first article published. I remember running around my office (I was an accountant for Independence Savings Bank at the time) and giving every one I encountered a copy of the newspaper. I will never forget how I felt when I saw that byline for the first time…

…and I will also never forget how Julie and I both felt when she saw hers.

Julie recently had her first article published in The Monmouth Journal. The story appeared in the January 30th issue on page five and was entitled, “Red Bank Economic Summit Discusses Stimulus, Growth.” The story was about the current situation with the economy and how Red Bank is dealing with it – and how an Economic Summit held by Councilman Michael DuPont would educate the citizens of our new home town. In order to make her story – Julie had to interview store owners, politicians – and people at the Summit including the Mayor himself – and she did a bang up job.

Julie graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism in 2001. For eight years, she has tried her best to “sell” herself to newspapers – all to no avail. She contacted many newspapers including The Northeast Reporter and The Towson Times – and got nowhere. She tried so hard that she wound up working in retail even up until this day…

…but now – is on the way to joining The Fourth Estate.

I came home from work and discovered a stack of Monmouth Journals on our coffee table – which instantly made me realize that her article was accepted and published. I was so proud of her that I gave her a huge hug – and congratulated her on her first step in the road of her journalistic career.

I have a stack of newspapers that I have been published in that is four-and-a-half feet tall. Of all the goals I have accomplished in my life – my next one is to have Julie’s stack of published articles tower over mine. In fact, every journalist has a portfolio – and I started hers – because I believe in her that much.

I wish Julie nothing but the best. She is a truly accomplished journalist who has a unique and accepted writing style. I have constantly offered her my mentorship – but have realized that she does not need it – because her talent and skill alone is all she needs to succeed. I look forward to the day when her career surpasses mine…

…and I can’t wait until I work for her.

Congratulations my love. I am so proud of you!