First of all, I have to be thankful to Embassy English School, which organized this work placement at the newspaper for eight weeks. All the school staff was very helpful in my first month of study, and they really appreciated my weekly articles. I will never forget my teacher, Mr. Phillip Dodd, who reviewed my first example article, that opened me the doors for this collaboration. He has the ability to never bore the students, because he knows when it is time to have fun during the lesson, and when it is the right moment to be serious and be followed by his students. So thank you, Phillip.
The second person that I have to thank is the Chief of Police of Signal Hill, Mr. Michael Langston. He gave me the opportunity to have an unforgettable experience, having a ride-along with police officer Mike Stone. It was very interesting looking closely to the police’s work in the car and see all the technologies they use to keep the roads and the community safe.
By the way, my greatest thanks are for Mrs. Neena Strichart, the publisher/editor-in-chief, and Mr. Cory Bilicko, the managing editor. If I had my own column is only because of them. Neena had the idea, and Cory approved it. They thought it would have been interesting to have another point of view on American society and culture by a foreigner, making comparisons between my country, Italy, and yours. Neena has been like a second mother for me, doing more than she was supposed to do. For example, the ride-along with the police, it was her idea. She also carried me with her to the chamber of commerce meetings three times, so I could really have an idea of how the society is working here and seeing how every member is so helpful with the others.
At the end, but not for importance, I will never forget Mrs. Barbie Ellisen and Miss Katherine Green, that helped me during my articles. They were always ready replying my questions with courtesy, even if they were very busy with their works.
Miss Rhiannon Williams, another intern, is a very nice girl. I will always be thankful for her kindness and patience that she showed reviewing my articles before they were sent to the editor.
Mr. Cory Bilicko, the managing editor, helped me a lot learning all the rules that I had to follow writing the articles. He always did it with a smile and the education that only real gentlemen have. I really appreciate his way of being polite and open-minded. He’s one of those guys he never lose the desire to learn new things in life. I guess this is his secret of being so elastic-minded and always ready to have new experiences.
Miss Cierra Hoaglin, the design/production manager, is a sweet girl that taught me how to put the newspaper on the website. She did it with the smile and the kindness that only few people have, especially because she was always very busy.
The last people I have to be thankful are: Stephen M. Strichart, Neena’s husband, and Miss Terry Rogers, the president of Chamber of Commerce. Stephen took me to the Signal Hill Police Department, helping me to compile the ride-along permission. We spoke a lot in these two months about his 30-year career as a police officer. I was impressed by his balance and his moral values. I wish society would have more police officers like him.
Miss Terry Rogers made me feel comfortable during the chamber of commerce meetings, gave me the chance to speak and introduce myself.
Hopefully I have not forgotten anyone in this article. I have learned something good from all of you. Everyone contributed to teach me something by their life/work experiences.
I hope to be remembered by you for something good that I gave you in these two months.
So, goodbye, guys. Take care.
