This collection showcases my versatility as a feature writer through three distinct human interest stories published in Pennsylvania newspapers. Each piece demonstrates my ability to capture compelling narratives while maintaining journalistic integrity and attention to detail:

1. “Two Sisters Amish Cooking” (The Daily Item, 2011) – A sensitive portrait of Amish entrepreneurs that respectfully bridges cultural boundaries while exploring how traditional values adapt to modern business needs. The piece captures the authentic experience of an off-the-beaten-path restaurant while respecting the subjects’ cultural practices.

2. “2,000-Mile ‘Commute'” (The Daily Item, 2010) – A profile that weaves together themes of modern work-life balance, political campaigning, and motherhood through the story of a young communications director managing a cross-country campaign while raising her family. The article explores how technology enables new career possibilities for stay-at-home parents.

3. “Music & Education in Harmony” (The Danville News, 2010) – An exploration of early childhood music education that combines program information with human interest, featuring both expert perspective and participant experiences. The piece effectively communicates complex musical concepts to a general audience while maintaining reader engagement.

Throughout these pieces, you’ll note my ability to:

– Develop trust with subjects from diverse backgrounds

– Balance technical information with narrative storytelling

– Capture authentic voices through effective quote selection

– Structure complex stories for clarity and impact

– Meet the needs of different publication styles and audiences

Each article demonstrates my commitment to thorough reporting, engaging storytelling, and crafting content that serves both the subject matter and the reader.