Repository intern Ryan Maxin is all in on journalism

Local journalism requires local journalists. Every couple of weeks, we will spotlight Canton Repository staff members who serve the Stark County community.

Perry Township native Ryan Maxin grew up loving to write. After graduating from Perry High School in 2020, he chose to attend Ohio University, where he is a rising junior, to study journalism and design.

Maxin is currently the editor-in-chief of OU's largest student-run, editorially independent publication, The Post.

This summer, Maxin is The Canton Repository's news intern. So far, he has reported on gas prices, local businesses, and the effects of school shootings. He will be working with the Repository until early August before he returns to school.

Why I became a journalist

A combination of hobbies and preferences led me to dip my foot into the art of journalism, but soon after my introduction to the craft, I jumped right in.

I love to write, but when my adolescent efforts at becoming a novelist proved futile, I knew I had to focus on something else. I'm also curious about everything — my religious-like dedication to watching "60 Minutes" and my credit card statement listing several newspaper subscriptions prove it. And I love hearing others' stories. Those three factors are all it took to convince me that a life in journalism is a life for me.

Plus, I get paid to ask questions and write? Sign me up.

What I like most about my job

I love getting to connect with my community. It may not be obvious, but being an intern isn't always easy. Oftentimes, interns are young, still learning and navigating life in a new place. But for me, interning at the Repository has allowed me to overcome most of those barriers.

I'm familiar enough with the area from growing up here that I'm comfortable reporting on it. At the same time, I feel much more connected to people in Stark County than ever before. I'd be remiss not to thank my editors and fellow reporters for doing all they can to help me foster those connections.

My favorite story or stories I've worked on

I value stories that allow me to leave the newsroom and talk to people about the things they care about. My story on a prospective Eagle Scout who built a dog agility course for the Stark County Humane Society was fun to work on, and the people I talked to for that story were really passionate about the project.

An article I wrote about a Canton couple celebrating 75 years of marriage made me feel honored that the family welcomed me into their lives. Of all the stories I've written for the Repository and for my college newspaper, the ones in which I've been able to really get to know people have been my favorite.

The biggest challenge I face

I'm still learning. I've certainly gotten a lot of guidance while at the Repository, but a lot of what makes someone a great reporter is experience in the field, experience I don't have yet as a young journalist.

However, I'm learning more each day and doing my best, so I'll reach that level in due time.

What I like to do when I'm not working

I absolutely love playing golf. I played for Perry's team in high school and play as much as I can in college. In that same vein, it's hard to pull me away from the TV from Thursday to Sunday most weeks, because if I'm not playing, I'm watching.

Ryan's love for golf: Perry golfers power past the field at Tam O'Shanter

I also really love to read and consume media (see "Why I became a journalist") and hang out with friends. I am infatuated with journalism, whether I'm reading, watching or doing it.

What I'd like to do after college

Once I graduate, I'd like to become a reporter for a paper somewhere in the Midwest or on the East Coast. I'm really interested in reporting on tech, finance and religion, so maybe I'll find my beat in one of those areas.

How to reach me

You can find me at rmaxin@gannett.com or at 330-580-8412. I'm also on Twitter at @ryanmaxin, where I'll be continuing my lifelong quest to become verified.

Consider subscribing to the Repository

To support Ryan's work and all of the essential local journalism the Repository does, go to CantonRep.com/subscribenow.

Meet more staff members

Cassandra Nist: Meet Canton Repository reporter Cassandra Nist

Charita Goshay: Meet longtime staff writer Charita Goshay

Ed Balint: Meet Canton Repository entertainment writer Ed Balint

Paige Bennett: Meet Canton Repository writer Paige Bennett

Scott Heckel: Meet Canton Repository photographer Scott Heckel

Tim Botos: Meet Canton Repository reporter Tim Botos

Malcolm Hall: Meet longtime Canton Repository staff writer Malcolm Hall

Kelli Weir: Meet Canton Repository education writer Kelli Weir

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton Repository intern Ryan Maxin shares thoughts and experiences