By Scott MacKeen
Times Staff
8/14/08

(previous)
Before joining the Times I was working my way through college, majoring in liberal arts at UMass Lowell without much of an idea what I wanted to do. I knew I loved to write. But how to put that passion into a career?
When an opportunity to write news stories came up, I was excited and nervous. This was my first real job, and I was working in a town I hardly knew. How could I, a life-long Eastoner, speak to the people of Milton with any real insight? Why should they listen to me?
The answer for me was to do the one thing I know best: be myself – honest, open, hard-working, understanding, clear and fair. These are the qualities I try to carry with me in everything I do, whether I am writing news or helping out a friend or family member.
In the short time I’ve been here I’ve learned a lot from the town, from its people and its many unique places. I’ve had a chance to see the town government at work and to hear the spirited voices of residents who care about their town and want to see it thrive and grow. I’ve seen the school and fields, the town shops and businesses and the majesty of the Blue Hills. I’ve also seen how this town can celebrate with pride and enthusiasm, as it did during the Milton Road Race and on the Fourth of July at Kelly Field.
In seeing all this, I hope I have given back to you all you would want from your town, your newspaper and the people who write your stories.
I hope I’ve captured your voices fairly and honestly.
If you feel I haven’t done so, let me know. Learning and growth comes in mistake and error just as it comes with success. That’s what I believe and I hope you do too.
Thanks for sharing your town with me. I only hope you’ll let me stay a little while longer.