Two years ago today, I was a senior communications major at Loyola University Maryland, fresh out of Snowpocalypse and buckling down for my last semester of college. I was about to walk out of school with a degree to work in a hugely competitive field revolutionized (some say destroyed) by technology. On top of that, the economy was still in the toilet and despite my expert Facebooking abilities and quick typing skills, I didn't know if I would find work in this modern occupation.
200 miles away that day, a . Patch was a fresh new concept, essentially taking everything a local newspaper covered and adding the resources of a major news website. It had never been attempted and despite the bustling community, a nationally ranked school district, and lots of interest, no one knew if it would work or if traditional newspapers would win.
Find out what's happening in Syossetfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Two years and more than 3,000 news stories later, this little guinea pig of a site has flourished into a top news source for this community, and I am editor number three. We've seen , listened to an , and . Despite all the uncertainty of 2010, we both made it out alive.
Syosset Patch survived because of the readers. I survived because of Patch. It is because you cared about your community and what happened to it that Patch became an essential source for your everyday news. It is because of your concern that Patch was able to thrive and take a chance hiring a lowly postgrad as a freelancer.
Find out what's happening in Syossetfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
So thank you for making my big break possible, cheers to prosperity despite the odds and a very happy birthday, Patch!
As a birthday present, make Patch part of your everyday routine (don't worry, they're all free):
Comment on articles: Whether you're sending a few choice words to public officials or arguing over , your comments have always been frank and passionate. Keep it up! (Just keep the curses to a minimum). While you're at it, rate a restaurant or business.
Browse through and weigh in: What was the biggest or story of 2011? Was the mall controversy the ? What about the ? Browse some of our Year in Review stories and weigh in on the past two years of Patching.
Post a photo: Is your son marching in the St. Patrick's Day parade? Did your daughter win first place in a Nassau math competition? Share it! Post a photo to the Neighborhood Gallery at any time.
Sign up for newsletters: Get a weekly or daily rundown of Syosset events, deals and stories straight to your inbox. It's free and we won't send you anything you don't want. You can also sign up for breaking news alerts so you have up to the minute information on what's happening in town.
Like, follow and friend: Like us on Facebook so you can read our latest headlines as they come in. Follow us on Twitter for headlines, deals and updates. Check in on FourSquare and say hi if we end up at the same place at the same time!
Drop us a line: Email the editor at heather.v.doyle@gmail.com at anytime with a tip or feedback. You can also direct message us on Twitter.
Check with us before you walk out the door: See live updates on traffic jams, find the cheapest gas in town, and see if you should bring the umbrella to work. The WeatherBug is at the top of every page and in the newsletter.
: Yes, we've been bugging you about this for a while now but that's only because we want you involved! Every school, business and house of worship has a listing on Patch. Find yours and click "Claim It!" under the photos, fill in your name and contact information and you will be the editor-in-chief of your listing. (Yes, it's absolutely free).
Post an Event: When we write the 5 Things You Need to Know Today, the first place we get our material is the events calendar. Use Patch to your advantage and get the community to your events!
Become a blogger: Whether you're , a , a , or you , there is a blog with your name on it. You just haven't written it yet. Email me at heather.v.doyle@gmail.com and let your voice be heard.
Make Announcements: Need volunteers? Get married? Lose a pet? Announce it in our announcements section so the community knows.
