I like people. That statement is vague, unusual these days, and absolutely true.

I have always enjoyed the company of others. I was brought up in a household that taught acceptance and tolerance of all cultures, creeds, religions and backgrounds. That fact is something that has always given me comfort and also made me sad to see younger generations that have obviously been brought up to see the worst in people.

The whole reason I got into journalism was to meet people, to listen to them and to learn their stories. The web of society is vast and, I don’t mean to get into a philosophical ramble right now, but I absolutely believe that the more we know about the various strings that attach us to one another, the better our society.

In just a few months, I have met more people than at any other time in my life. I’ve sat down with councilmen, mayors, and senators, and I have spoke at length with men, women and children who have known only poverty their entire life.

I have discovered so many of the tiny cogs that run this county. I have learned so much in general that sometimes I want nothing more than to sit back and digest everything I’ve learned. However, before I have a chance, something else is happening and I’m off to interview someone else or take more pictures or meet another member of the community.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with that part of the job. I love being kept busy and that is essentially the definition of this job. Things never stop happening in Chenango County, and we never stop covering them.

I probably wouldn’t have admitted that five years ago. I grew up in Chenango County and I can admit that there were some angst-ridden days during my youth that I didn’t think a darn thing happened around here and couldn’t wait to get out of town.