I wanted to be a journalist since I was 9 years old. I WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL IN SPRINGFIELD and then Simmons College. My first job out of school was at the Boston Herald American. My parents were immigrants; they came to this country with a keen idea of what was happening in current events. We always watched Brinkley. We could see the direct connection between civil rights marches and how they affected our lives.

A lot of people think, WHY BOTHER COVERING THE CONVENTION? I’m curious, not to talk to the politicians or committee chairs, but to [the delegates]. Even though these folks are more engaged than the average person, I want to know what they believe and why. It’s a chance to get out of our bubble and talk to folks who believe there is something at stake.