Cawthon: Have an interesting story to tell? Don't be a stranger

Hi, Lowcountry. I'm Graham.

We don't know each other well. I only moved here during Flood Weekend '15.

But I'd like to get to know you better. In fact, I'd like to write about you.

Most of my job as Engagement Editor at The Island Packet & Beaufort Gazette is focused on digital and social media.

Yes, I get paid to live by the beach and play on Facebook. Dreams can come true, folks.

But my journalism career -- from newbie reporter to running my own newsroom -- dates back a decade. And before I fell in love with retweets and shares, I loved telling stories about everyday people. People like yourself.

Finding out what makes them unique, what their passions are and what happened to shape their life and worldview.

Our community is made up entirely of interesting people. But our headlines are often reserved for community leaders and elected officials. Let's change that.

Have an interesting hobby? A cool job? Overcome a big hurdle? Went on a life-changing adventure?

Regardless of what modesty is telling you, the answer to at least one of those questions is probably yes.

And if modesty just won't get out of the way, I bet you know someone in the community due recognition.

But before you reach out, I'll share a little about myself to put you more at ease.

I grew up in a military family and traveled extensively as a child, from Cold War-era Germany to the Anchorage suburbs.

I once interviewed Bob Dole on camera as he ate chocolate cake. And he did refer to himself in third person.

If the movie is from Lucasfilm or Marvel, I'll probably be there opening night.

I flew internationally on Sept. 11, 2001.

I moved here from Shelby, NC, where the Charleston church shooter was captured.

Feel like you know me a little bit better now? Good. Now let me get to know you.

Shoot me an email or tweet and let me tell your story.

Follow Engagement Editor Graham Cawthon on Twitter at twitter.com/GrahamCawthon or email him at gcawthon@islandpacket.com.

This story was originally published January 20, 2016 at 12:42 PM with the headline "Cawthon: Have an interesting story to tell? Don't be a stranger."