I am thrilled to be beginning my journey into the St. Michael and Albertville community as your new local editor of St. Michael Patch.

I moved back to the Twin Cities area this month after more than a year of working as a reporter at The Journal in International Falls. I received my bachelors degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, worked for the college newspaper:The Minnesota Daily, and have had internships at the St. Paul Pioneer Press. I have also been trained at The Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Fla., and have held various internships in both journalism and communications for more than seven years.

I was born in Minneapolis and have lived in several cities around the metro, but grew up in Fridley, where I spent most of my years. Last year, I was a freelance writer for Fridley Patch — it taught me what a valuable resource Patch can be to the town in which you live, and am happy to be able to be behind this resource to the St. Michael area and Albertville area. I am also looking forward to soon calling this place my new home.

During my first week on the job, I have already seen what a welcoming community the St. Michael and Albertville area is, and how residents truly care about the happenings in and around the community. From talking to people at events, government meetings, and striking up conversations at coffee shops, I have scratched the surface in learning about what a great community the northwest area is. What an exciting first impression I've had of the community.

I am enthused to serve as someone who will help inform people in the area about issues that affect their daily lives, their neighborhood, and their future. I hope to bring the community news and content you need to lead the best life possible.

I also hope you will continue to use St. Michael Patch as a platform for discussion or sharing your thoughts and views. Being a place of dialogue and community engagement is what Patch is all about.

I welcome you to send me feedback, concerns, or news tips to liala.helal@patch.com.