This summer, the LPJ will be publishing a series of articles detailing some of the features and advantages of being an LPJ subscriber and advertiser. These will include writer, photographer and publisher bios and some behind-the-scenes stories so you can get to know your LPJ. Today’s Q&A is with reporter Hanna Singh.
LPJ: First, tell us a little about yourself with your family and your background.
HS: My name is Hanna Singh. I was born in Ogden Utah, but I moved to Louisiana when I was 13 and fell in love with the state. I live with my husband Chaten, who is an instructor at the Youth Challenge Program and an MP for the Army National Guard and our son Grayson, who is a talented little baseball player and superhero fanatic. My parents and siblings live not too far away on Caney Lake. I graduated from Weston High School in Jackson Parish and earned my Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in marketing from the University of Louisiana Monroe. I’m currently working on my master’s in business administration. During college, I worked as a Social Media Intern for the ULM Career Center, a Graphic Design Assistant for Discover Monroe-West Monroe, and as a Marketing Assistant for the Digital People. I also wrote for the ULM Hawkeye Student Newspaper in my undergrad, eventually becoming the Arts and Entertainment Editor in my senior year.
LPJ: What made you decide to write?
HS: I’ve always had a passion for writing and enjoyed creating blogs and articles for my various jobs over the years. However, it was my experience as an editor for the college newspaper that pushed me to want to pursue journalism. One of my professors and biggest role models, Dr. Joyce Zhou, sent me an advertisement from the LPJ seeking new writers. By then, I had been living in Ruston for a while and it felt like the perfect opportunity to pursue writing while becoming more connected with my community.
LPJ: And we’re certainly thankful for that! What kind of stories do you like writing best?
HS: The stories I enjoy writing the most are the features on individuals in the community. I love meeting unique people, hearing their stories, learning about their passions, and discovering what they are doing for Lincoln Parish. It’s incredible to see how much talent and heart we have in our community.
LPJ: What’s been your favorite story to write so far?
HS: My favorite story that I’ve written is probably the one about Mrs. Monique Johnson at the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Louisiana. It was heartwarming to see how much one person could impact her coworkers and community. I got to see a lot of appreciation and love while working on that piece.
LPJ: You’re about to have another sweet baby next month, and that’s so exciting. What has been your favorite part about motherhood so far?
HS: My favorite part of motherhood has been watching my son develop his personality and his passions. He has grown to love baseball, swimming, superheroes, and dinosaurs. Right now, he especially loves eating hotdogs. He tells me every day he wants to be a police officer or a firefighter, and he’s so anxious to grow up. It’s bittersweet watching him grow and become his own bold and determined little person.
LPJ: How excited is he about gaining a sister?
HS: Grayson is very excited to have a sister, though he’s slightly less thrilled that she’ll be a baby for a while. He has been a big help getting everything ready for her, and I have no doubt he’ll be an amazing big brother.
LPJ: What do you like to do for fun?
HS: Outside of writing, I enjoy being creative in various ways. I’ve always liked painting, drawing, and graphic design. To stay active, I run 5Ks, practice yoga, and go to the gym. I’m an avid reader, and so is my son, so we spend a lot of time at the library. We love to travel and enjoy trying the local food wherever we go. Recently, I’ve also begun to enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes.
LPJ: What do you think is the best part about living in Lincoln Parish?
HS: I love living in Lincoln Parish because there is so much culture and life, yet it is peaceful at the same time. I can explore local restaurants and art exhibits, attend live music performances, and spend the day at a college football game. But at the end of the day, I can also sit in my backyard, watch the fireflies, and enjoy the peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Ruston is the perfect place to raise a family.
LPJ: Last question: What’s the last good book you’ve read and why should everyone else read it?
HS: The last good book I read was “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens. I’ve read it before, but I gave it another read after watching the movie recently with my husband. If you haven’t read it before, the first time is the best time. It’s beautifully written and shows a different perspective on loss, love and growth from the eyes of a girl who grew up so displaced from society.
