Letter from the intern: New year, new you

Greetings, Cobb Life readers.

Happy New Year and welcome to 2023! Transitioning into a new year calls for a clean slate and a fresh start. May we use 2023 as a tool to grow, learn and transform into the best versions of ourselves. Let’s make this the year of action —live your life to the fullest and treat every day like it’s your last—you won’t regret it. 

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Skyler Heath and I’m an intern at the Marietta Daily Journal and Cobb Life Magazine. I’m a senior(ish) studying journalism at Kennesaw State University. You may be wondering how I found myself in this position. And to be honest, I ask myself the same thing.

Before landing my current position at the Marietta Daily Journal, I began my journey as a news writer for my school’s student newspaper. Here I found my writer’s groove and began to turn my dreams into reality. Shortly after, I landed my first professional byline— an important milestone for young journalists.

My time at the MDJ began in August after scouring the internet for a fitting internship position. I completed the application and met with then-Cobb Life Editor Madison Hogan. We instantly clicked and things just fell into place.

After Madison parted ways with the MDJ for a new career path, Managing Editor J.K. Murphy gave me the biggest opportunity of my career thus far: putting together this Winter Issue of the Cobb Life Magazine — hence the title, “Letter from the Intern.”

This issue is filled with great reads that are perfect for kicking off the New Year. Speaking of new, our cover story invites you to meet the new president of my school Kennesaw State University, Kathy Schwaig. Madam President sits down with MDJ reporter Hunter Riggall and details her journey to becoming president of the third largest university in Georgia. 

Start the new year off strong with a road trip to Music City aka Nashville, Tennessee. Travel columnist, Lisa Mowry has a full itinerary of Nashville’s best hotels, cuisine and tourist attractions that you won’t want to miss. 

For those of you looking to venture into your genealogical past, the Georgia Room at Switzer Library in Marietta is a great place to start. This local resource invites anyone to discover information about their ancestral history. Hear from Lauren Craig, who journeyed into her genealogy and found herself at the Georgia Room. The piece is written by Times-Journal copy desk editor Tamacia Woolcock.

For people who enjoy delicious indulgences and local cuisine, pay a visit to the famous Marietta Diner. This local treasure offers every type of food under the sun; you name it, they have it. Ultimately, the hardest part of your visit will be deciding what to order. Hear from the man who started it all, Gus Tselios, and his journey to running the successful restaurant since 1995. And read what his employees have to say about working at this Marietta landmark.

For the book worms who love crime thrillers, check out a Q&A with local author Jax Kearny as he features his new book, “The Whistler’s Mother.” 

I hope you enjoy this issue just as much as I enjoyed putting it together. I wish you a healthy, prosperous and Happy New Year.

Until next time,

Skyler Heath