Novice To Start, Stays 9 Years

When I went on my job interview for the Queens Gazette, it was nerve-racking. Not only was it my very first job interview, but with no experience, I was applying for a job at a local Queens newspaper. When I first walked in and took a look around it was intimidating. I got a first-hand look at how hectic and busy an office it was. When I got hired I was nervous and excited. Here I was, 19, with no experience, thrust into the hustle and bustle of a working newspaper office.

Working for Tony Barsamian is an experience all its own- watching how he juggles two phones at the same time or how he manages to do five different things at once without missing a step are just an example of the frenetic pace of the office. We also know that whenever Tony says he will be in the office at a certain time, he never is. We call it Tony time.

As time passed by I worked my way up to being Tony's assistant. I have covered events, taken photos and have met some very interesting people. I have gone from being a novice kid to knowing the ins and outs of the Gazette. Nine years later I am still here and celebrating the Queens Gazette's 25th anniversary.

- Melissa Cipolla-Mennona