It is bittersweet. My last day at The Garden Island newspaper is today. Thank you, Kaua‘i, for allowing me to serve you. It’s been a humbling experience.
Kaua‘i will always be my home, but it’s time to take it up a notch and walk with purpose. I am moving to O‘ahu in early August to learn about the TV news industry. I hope I make you proud. And to all of my sources, please stay in contact with me, in case I cover Kaua‘i news.
Thinking back to my first day at TGI, I really didn’t know what to think. When former Editor Bill Buley said “to stop by the office, let’s chat,” after being a judge with me at the Miss Kaua‘i Filipina Pageant, I never really knew what I was getting myself into until I began my writing career. On day one, I came with two stories from the weekend ready to roll. But little did I know I had so much to learn.
It is true, you never know what a journalist does until you actually experience it for yourself. I thought a journalist just wrote, but was taught by my colleagues the importance of not being biased, writing with journalistic standards and making sure you get the facts straight.
Grammar, writing with all the details, catching the attention of your audience are all very-important tips I can give the next inspired journalist. Make sure you be a sponge, swallow your pride, and learn from the best around you.
I will miss my TGI ‘ohana. There were good times, and then the pandemic happen, and we made it through the hard times with laughter, helping each other and just being in the present moment.
We did it. We survived through 2020 together and made it through with fewer resources than we desired. It was an experience that made us stronger. You are forever engraved on my heart.
The best part about being a journalist at TGI, I got to meet some incredible people with big hearts. I got to interview many fascinating people from Kaua‘i and in the state that I would not have had the chance to if I wasn’t working here.
Through the pandemic, we stayed resilient and found ways to help each other. I am going to miss Kaua‘i and will continue to fight to protect it.
My favorite articles that I wrote were during TGI’s “Hometown Hero” segments when Kaua‘i’s finest didn’t think of themselves during the pandemic. Instead, they stepped up to the plate to serve someone else in need. And it’s no secret, I love featuring people and telling their stories more than the investigating stories I did. I always believed people brought the magic. People can make a difference.
I am so honored to have served you during this pandemic and hope you continue to support TGI.
Well, we’re all sad to see you go. I think you are an exceptional writer. I enjoyed reading all your articles. Good luck to you and your journalism career.
Mahalo for your reporting, Stephanie. You will be missed here and good luck to you and your career!
Stephanie Shinno is a shinning light in this world. We look forward to watching her make the world a better place. There are many places in need of her activism. Hopefully she will be replaced by someone who will write more balanced and accurate articles that do not attempt to justify, defend, and promote the homeless vagrancy that is taking over our beautiful island.
Do you think that Space X has enough man power to send people back to the moon? And who will be the astronauts going to the moon. Moon landing.
Stephanie, Mahalo for your tenure at TGI. You may not hear it enough, however you and your bylines were always noted. Best of life to you. You will be missed.
We will miss your reporting… but wish you the best on your new ventures…. Kauai will miss you…
Thank you Stephanie for your note worthy work at TGI! God has blessed you with incredible abilities! And He will protect and guide you to more refined opportunities as you journey to greater humble heights!
Aloha and Best wishes!