Downers Grove Patch Editor Bids Farewell

It's hard to believe that it's been three years since I graduated college, started my first job and launched my very own local news site in Lemont.

I was 22 and fairly inexperienced when I started with Patch in 2010, and at the time, no one even knew what Patch was.

A lot has changed since then. I'm almost 26 now and have written more stories (and attended more board meetings) than I ever thought possible in a three-year span.

Patch has also grown. It's been a bit of a roller coaster ride, navigating hyperlocal journalism in a medium that evolves every day, but the focus of our hard-working editors hasn't changed: tell great stories and be a valuable resource for our readers.

That's what I've tried to do, at least. 

I came to Downers Grove a little over a year ago after spending two years covering Lemont. I wanted a new challenge, and this community did not disappoint.

No, I'm not talking about the backyard chickens, as entertaining as those stories were. I'm talking about the two world-class school districts, award-winning village and thriving business community that kept me busy day in and day out.

Tuesday is my last day at Patch and the end of a really special chapter in my life. I've spent the better part of three years covering two great towns, and now I'm leaving to take on the world—literally.

Earlier this year, right around the time I started managing both Lemont and Downers Grove, I got engaged to my boyfriend of five years. We're getting married next month and will be heading to China, where he has been working since March. We'll be living overseas for the foreseeable future.

To say I'm scared about this new adventure would be an understatement, but I'm also incredibly excited to travel the world with my new husband. It's the opportunity of a lifetime, and we both feel very blessed.

Before I leave, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank all of you for welcoming me into your community a year ago and for sticking with Patch these past few years. I'm extremely grateful for the time I spent covering Downers Grove.

Thank you so much for letting me tell your stories. I've learned so much and have met some of the most incredible people. When I look back at my first job, that's what I'll remember.

All the best,
Amanda