September 23, 2022
Hello, readers of The Business News – my name is Rachel Sankey – the most recent addition to our wonderful team, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself to you all.
I work as both a staff writer and layout designer.
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB) in December 2021 with degrees in Writing and Applied Arts and English-Creative Writing.
And at 22, I am incredibly grateful to already have the journalism experience I do under my belt.
Before coming on board at The Business News, I was the editor of Green Bay City Pages, which is a sister publication of The Press Times.
One of my favorite parts about working with an area newspaper is the connections I get to make with the community members.
I’m happy to be able to facilitate those kinds of relationships with The Business News community, and continue to be a part of the paper you are holding in your hands today.
So far, my time with the team has been nothing short of great, and I look forward to all the stories to come and to play a part in our new, dynamic design.
A little more about me
Technically, I was born in New Port Richey, Florida, but I spent the majority of my “growing up” years in a small village just outside of Wausau, known as Weston.
My sense of humor comes from my dad, and my love for pens and purses comes from my mom.
I also have a younger brother, Jordan; two step-brothers, Devon and Ethan; a step-mom, Celena; a step-dad, Glenn and three pups – Gatsby, Finn and Maize.
Ever since I was little, I was convinced I wanted to be a teacher.
It wasn’t until my junior year of high school that I discovered creative writing and knew I wanted to have a career in writing – in some capacity.
I didn’t know at the time that would translate to a career in journalism post-bachelor’s degree.
If I didn’t have the guidance from several incredible mentors (The Business News editor Heather Graves being one of them), I’m not sure I would be in the position I am today.
Outside of writing stories for the paper, I also enjoy writing poetry and prose; a subject I spent the majority of my college career studying.
My favorite poet of all time is Frank O’Hara.
Last fall, I was able to visit the plaque outside of O’Hara’s old apartment in Greenwich when I was visiting friends in New York.
It definitely made my Top 10 list for coolest experiences.
I had goosebumps and was on the verge of tears as my friends and I went to a boba shop and a nearby park to watch all the pudgy squirrels run around, which I feel encapsulates the spirit of The Big Apple pretty well.
Outside of poetry, I also have experience in humor writing, grant writing, blog writing and food writing.
My work has been published in Northern Lights Literary & Arts Journal and The Haven.
When I’m not working at The Business News or reading poetry, you can find me at Barnes & Noble selling books and slinging drinks, playing my favorite video games on my Nintendo Switch or thrifting with my friends.
Onward and upward
I have one of those felt letter boards that were popular back in 2017, and for the last several years, I’ve kept the message the same: “The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit.”
The sign sits at my desk in our office, and I look at it several times a day as a reminder of all that’s yet to come during my time here at The Business News.
I tend to take on the more creative side of business stories, and look forward to chatting with many of you in the future.
Reach out – my email is always open for suggestions and ideas at rachel@thebusinessnews.com.
Let’s get to work!