LoganSquarist wouldn’t be possible without the hard-working efforts of our dedicated staff. Hailing from all across the country, with a number of interests and professional aspirations, our team has one thing in common: a passion for Logan Square. Discover the people behind the scenes that bring you articles, events and more in our LoganSquarist Staff Highlight column.
What’s your role with LoganSquarist?
I am an editorial staff writer focusing on local politics.
Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I am the fourth of six children born into a loving, large German Catholic household. I moved to Chicago in February 2017 after graduating from Indiana University, making me remarkably typical as a young transplant. I was and am the midwestern kid who dreamed of life in the world’s greatest city. My first year I lived in Edgewater, but I’ve lived in a gorgeous Logan Square brownstone since February 2018.
What do you do in Chicago?
I work as a recruiting coordinator contracted with a large tech company in River North, so that keeps me busy Monday to Friday. I’m also a graduate student in Public Administration at DePaul. That plus work keeps me very busy. My LoganSquarist writing makes me extremely busy. And when I can, I publish on my Medium account. I also love to volunteer for my local state representative, which, given the hyperlocal nature of this site, kind of gives it away (it rhymes with Phil LaZardi). But I love being busy. Professor Scott Galloway, a writer I admire, says that life isn’t yours for the taking; it’s yours for the trying. So try hard.
When did you join LoganSquarist?
July 2019.
Do you write professionally?
I do not write professionally. I’ve always been passionate about reading and writing, however. It really helps me get a sense of myself and I love to learn. Reading and writing is a way to stay involved, shape the world and build a solid range of experiences that one day may help professionally.
What made you interested in volunteering for LoganSquarist?
I love politics and news; this is a fascinating neighborhood politically. I love volunteering, being embedded in my community, knowing people, experiencing new things all the time, reading, writing and being relevant. I aim to make something of myself and LoganSquarist is a great way to tap into my passions, save myself from boredom and enrich others in the process through sharing our collective stories and experiences.
What is one of your favorite LoganSquarist story you’ve worked on?
I love all the stuff I’ve worked on but really was fascinated by the City of Chicago budget town hall Alderman Daniel LaSpata hosted. It analyzed how the city got to its current situation and paths for getting to a better place. Needless to say it’s an incredibly relevant and pressing issue.
What is your favorite restaurant or hang out in Logan Square?
I am eternally repping Red Hot Ranch, the hot dog shack at Western and Charleston. It’s practically at the end of my block. It’s open insane hours, catering to our neighborhood’s lovely people, sober and drunk. It’s cash-only, reasonably priced and beyond delicious, burgers and dogs alike.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the neighborhood?
To party, the California/Milwaukee block has my heart. We’re talking Cole’s, Heavy Feather, Slippery Slope, etc. They never let you down on a night out with friends… except for the time that a guy pulled a knife out on the dance floor and was promptly slammed face-first onto a cop car. That killed the vibe.
What has been the best part about joining the team?
We’re eclectic as all get out. We are solid working professionals and the kinds of people who would volunteer to write for a neighborhood site, which means brainy, active, conscientious and novelty-seeking. Being a journalist lets me go above and beyond my duties as a citizen, and I love being on this specific team. So it’s the people that have made joining one of the best parts.
What have you learned from working with LSQ?
I’ve learned better approaches to writing (thanks to my editor), the names of movers and shakers in the community, and quite simply what’s going on in our beautiful neighborhood, for better and worse.
Anything else you want to share?
I encourage you to say hi to your neighbors and get to know them. On the society-wide level we’re in a pretty lonely spot right now where a lot of folks feel friendless and anonymous, which can feel doubled up in a big city like Chicago. Someone’s got to break the awkward silence, so you do it. Be a social weaver for your block. It could help someone more than you know.
Read more of Scott’s articles here and send him story tips on local politics!
Interested in joining the team? Meet the rest of our the staff and check out our opportunities.
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