As I’m writing my first article for the News Journal since 2023, it feels like consuming the first gulp of an ice-cold bottled water—familiar, yet insanely satisfying.
Some of you may remember me, and some may not. My name is Leeann Fragosa, and I am officially working with the News Journal again.
Since accepting the position, I’ve felt an overwhelming wave of excitement. I’m eager to dive in and do my best. This isn’t technically my first time here; I have some background with the paper.
In the summer of 2023, I completed a 10-week internship with the News Journal. It was the summer before my final year of college. During those 10 weeks, I interviewed significant individuals in the area, visited meaningful places, shared local stories, took countless pictures with the paper’s fancy cameras, and made some enriching memories I still reflect on today.
I’ve always considered myself a lifelong learner and am consistently seeking ways to grow intellectually. Anytime I want to grow in an area, I find experts in that field and ask questions. I learned a lot from the people at the paper, but especially from Trevor Sherman, Mark White, and Timothy Wyatt.
When I wrapped up that internship, my priority went to finishing school strong. I was fully prepared for hours and hours of studying.
I attended the University of the Cumberlands, majoring in Elementary Education with an emphasis in English. I picked up a Creative Writing minor during my last two years, and in my final semester, I began student teaching. I loved every moment of it. There were exams I had to pass before I could begin student teaching so I found myself in their library or in Chick-Fill-A for breaks.
After graduating, I taught second grade at Boonesborough Elementary in Richmond. I had 19 unique, incredible students, a strong team, and supportive mentors. I learned something new every day and found a rhythm that carried me to the end of the year. I had a dream of teaching since I was in first grade, so I genuinely enjoyed it. It was difficult, but I have always loved a good challenge.
Alongside teaching, I joined two local singing competitions, developed as a performer, and found mentors who helped shape my voice and stage presence. I was also writing poetry, song lyrics, and stories of my own.
Somewhere in the middle of all that, I realized I missed journalism. It was ironic when Trevor messaged me.
When the opportunity came up to return to the News Journal, it felt like a calling. I love teaching, but something was missing. I juggled the pros and cons of leaving teaching and entering the world of newspapers. I engaged in conversations with friends who reminded me I was young and it is okay to change your mind.
I’m thrilled to be back and can’t wait to get started. I’m especially excited to work with the creative and talented team here. While I’m sad I won’t get to work with Timothy again—since, as many of you know, he has accepted a teaching position in Williamsburg—I’m comforted knowing his voice will still appear in the News Journal in the future. I look forward to seeing his name in print again.
My goal now is simple: to tell stories that matter. Journalism is important and I have always known that. There is something even more important about local news, and I always found Corbin to feel like a positive and loving community. Corbin feels like home.
I have hopes of developing my voice, whether through writing or music.
I also have hopes that Trevor will finally watch Big Hero 6. A running joke during my internship was that I gave him homework to watch that movie. I’ve recently been informed that he still hasn’t. Trevor, this is no longer a joke. I am out of laughs. Please just watch the movie.
All jokes aside, I’m ecstatic to rejoin the team. I promise to give my best and look forward to the stories I’ll tell and the voice I’ll continue to grow along the way.
