With its woodsy aesthetics, peaceful roads, and friendly neighbors, Palos Park is my haven—a perfect place for a writer to call home. My journey as a writer began early in life, fueled by an insatiable desire to create and connect. Even as a little girl, I knew I wanted people to read what I wrote.

 

I can vividly recall writing plays and directing my siblings in small movie productions. Those formative moments shaped my creative spirit. My early endeavors included greeting cards, neighborhood newspapers, poetry, and even a 12-book handwritten series in sixth grade—a reflection of my boundless imagination.

 

The path to becoming a professional writer began at Northern Illinois University, where I received a full creative writing scholarship. But with my parents’ divorce, my heart pulled me closer to home, leading me to transfer to Saint Xavier University (SXU). There, I immersed myself in communication, writing, and English studies.

 

SXU wasn’t just a place for academic growth; it was a launchpad for real-world experiences. For my senior project, I wrote Radio Today, inspired by my internship with KISS FM. The project gave me the opportunity to interview high-profile radio personalities and explore the inner workings of media careers. Writing for The Xavierite added another dimension to my journey, fostering a deeper love for storytelling.

 

“I live and breathe everything about the media world,” I often say, and it’s true. Writing isn’t just a profession, it’s my passion, my purpose. I’ve always believed that everyone has a story; you just have to listen.

 

After college, I explored various roles. I earned a teaching certificate and taught an introductory computer course at St. Gerald School in Oak Lawn while working at a mortgage company. But journalism kept calling me. I became a correspondent for Southwest Regional Publishing (The Reporter Newspaper and The Regional News based out of Palos Heights), then expanded my portfolio with publications including the Des Planes Valley News, the Great Southwest News-Harold, the Reporter & NewsHound, the Hometown Hi-Lites, the Gazette Chicago and the Village View. My work has proudly been featured in the Daily Southtown and the Chicago Tribune.

 

More than fifteen years in journalism have been a tapestry of growth and storytelling. Loving my community, I continue to write news and feature stories for Southwest Regional Publishing today. Beyond writing, I’m also a copy editor for 14 publications within the Southwest Messenger Press and have gladly accepted a role as an Adjunct Professor of Journalism at SXU, teaching newswriting and reporting. These roles allow me to explore diverse narratives and contribute meaningfully to the media landscape.

 

My family has been my unwavering support system. My parents, Diane and Dennis White, instilled the values of perseverance and creativity. My husband, Roger, of 11 years, never fails to support my feministic attitude and pursuit of my ambitions. As an accountant, don’t be fooled because he is loving his role as a “girl dad”. And, my three daughters, Emerson Grace (8), Mila Paige (6), and Sawyer Jade (2)—are truly my inspirations. They’re named after writers, a nod to the literary world that has shaped my life.

As a family, we made the decision to move to Palos Park because of its phenomenal school district, quaint restaurants and fairytale feel right in your own backyard– as I said before, it’s the perfect place for a writer to call home.

Looking ahead, I aspire to become an editor and explore the world. Writing has always been about connection and impact. Through words, I hope to continue making a difference, one story at a time.