Mallory Vough, Patch Staff

After graduating from college in 2008, I worked in the Office of Public Information at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem Township for two years. As a news assistant, I covered campus events, wrote stories for the college's quarterly magazine, sent out press releases that promoted credit and non-credit classes, managed the college's official social media sites, and so much more. I was also a freelance reporter for The Bethlehem Press for one year. I covered municipal meetings in Hanover Township, Northampton County, in addition to writing various feature stories. While in college, I was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper for two years and was managing editor for one.

<b>High School/College: </b>I graduated from Pen Argyl Area High School (Green Knights!) in 2004. In 2008, I graduated from Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa., with a bachelor&#39;s degree in communications and a minor in English. I completed some online classes at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. One day, when I&#39;m not quite so busy, I will get my hands on a master&#39;s degree in Mass Media Arts &amp; Journalism. I was also pursuing a specialized certificate in public relations.

<b>Hobbies: </b>I love latch hook and fishing, which are quite possibly the only quiet activities I can actually sit still for. I enjoy being outside and taking photographs of scenery. I also have a crazy passion for animals. If journalism doesn&#39;t work out, maybe I&#39;ll work for the Pennsylvania SPCA in Philadelphia. Who knows?!

<b>Your Beliefs: </b>At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.

<b>Politics </b><br>How would you describe your political beliefs?<br>Are you registered with a certain party?

I am registered as an Independent. Politics is something I previously never got involved in or followed. But as I grow personally and, more importantly, professionally, the world of politics is something I am working to understand more.

<b>Religion</b><br>How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious)

I was raised a Lutheran and was confirmed at St. Peter&#39;s Lutheran Church in Plainfield Township. I am a non-church-going Christian and choose to believe and practice in my own little ways.

<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b><br>What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?<br>Where do you stand on each of these issues?

Even though I say my hometown is Nazareth (which it is), I was more involved in the Wind Gap / Pen Argyl / Bangor side of the world for a good majority of my life. Having moved to Bushkill Township, right on the edge of Upper Nazareth Township, I&#39;ve just begun to immerse myself into this town again. You&#39;ll see me walking down Broad and Main streets looking for the answers to this question.  I want to know what is happening in our town and what makes Nazareth folks tick. If there&#39;s something bothering you, let me know! If there&#39;s an exciting event you think I should be at, tell me! So, stop me on the street, send me an e-mail or give me a call. Tell me what&#39;s on your mind, I promise I don&#39;t bite!