BY PAWAN NAIDU

Turlock Journal

Hi everyone. I’m the new education and agriculture reporter for the Turlock Journal. I’m excited to start reporting on issues involving our community. I wanted to introduce myself and share a little bit about my background.

I’ve spent most of my life in Stanislaus County. I grew up in Modesto, where I attended Modesto High School. I played baseball and golf for more than a decade, and in high school I got the theatre bug and participated in shows ranging from an over-the-top musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” to a somber warning of totalism, “1984.”

I went to college at our very own Stanislaus State, where I majored in journalism and worked for the university newspaper, The Signal. During my time at The Signal, I developed an appreciation for how passionate Turlock is for its community. I loved discussing issues with community members and I’m excited to hear from all of you again.

As I was graduating, I knew I wasn’t ready to end my academic career, so I packed my bags and went to Wisconsin to get a master’s degree. I had an amazing time, and grateful I was able to have new experiences. But I just couldn’t stay away, I missed it here too much. This is my community, and I’m excited for the opportunity to serve it.

I’m looking forward to meeting parents, students, teachers and faculty. I love kids and I’m ecstatic to write stories that concern our students. I’m sure this school year won’t be like any other, so I excited for all the twists and turns as we navigate through these unprecedent times.

Agriculture is at the heart of our community and with vital issues, such as water shortage, I’m looking forward to reporting on stories that have such an important impact on a lot of people.

Hopefully, I will meet a lot of the community over the course of my reporting, and never hesitate to reach out through phone, email or social media. My email address is: pnaidu@turlockjournal.com.