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I remember the day as if it had been yesterday.

I had set up a day and time I could come to the Times Leader for an interview. I was coming from the other side of the state, so planning ahead was necessary.

I drove to my cousin Justin’s house in Philadelphia and shopped for clothes the next day. I don’t often wear ties, unless I attend a funeral or am forced to wear one for some formal family occasion. So I didn’t wear a tie on that day. I did, however, opt for a nice button-down shirt and dress pants.

It was a bright August afternoon and, when I walked into the building, I was cheerfully greeted by a receptionist who asked how she could help me. I wanted to tell her I needed all kinds of help, none of which pertained to why I was there. I refrained, however.

I grinned and said, “I’m here to see Clark for an interview.” She said, “Okay. You can have a seat and I’ll let him know you’re here.”

I sat watching people pass me, not knowing who I was looking for. It was easy for Clark to spot me, though. I was the only guy sitting in the waiting area with a bead of sweat running down the surface of his bald head.

The air conditioning in the building was on full blast, but somehow the temperature was rising. I was a bit nervous, but also confident and never removed my smile. In my hand was a manila folder I had found in my apartment in Pittsburgh. At one time, it held my 2009 tax documents, but this time it had more importance as I carried with me a few copies of my polished resume.

I saw a guy walking down the steps, and, as he approached me, I stood up and shook his hand. Clark Van Orden was the chief of photography at the time.

We walked up to the steps and he led me into the office of then Executive Editor George Spohr. They both sat down, Clark next to me and George across from me, and my interview began. I remember saying to both of them with childlike enthusiasm that just sitting in that seat was a dream for me. It felt good.

I was inside an office surrounded by professionals and the smell of newspapers. The smell of my future lingered in there somewhere. I walked out feeling relieved and unbuttoned the top button of my shirt so I wasn’t suffocating anymore.

I walked out into the car and prepared to leave the little city of Wilkes-Barre with big hopes. About 20 minutes into the trip back to my cousin’s house in Philly, I received a call. It was George and Clark on speakerphone. “Sean, it’s Clark here. We want to offer you the job if you’re still interested.” I answered with a loud “YES!”

My starting date was Sept. 21, 2015. I packed up everything and moved across the state, from Pittsburgh to Wilkes-Barre, to start my career.

I’ve learned a lot about myself having been a photojournalist for a year now. I have experienced great moments in people’s lives and the despair of their tragedy and loss. I’m able to connect with people like I have never done before because, for just a moment of each day, I am part of their lives.

That’s why I get up every day.

During my time at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, my education extended far beyond the classroom. It was the people I’ve met and the events and workshops I attended that allowed me learn the most. When I graduated, I had achieved something great. I was the only person alive on my mother’s side of the family to graduate from high school, let alone get a college degree.

Registering for a full class schedule was not easy while supporting myself. But I had a curious passion I needed to fulfill. I was a photographer who loved telling stories, and I just had to make a living doing just that.

Thanks to Clark and George, both of whom have moved on from the Times Leader, I am doing just that. And I couldn’t be more happy.

Sean McKeag tries on a new outfit to wear to his interview for a photojournalist job at the Times Leader.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_IMG_0885.jpg.optimal.jpgSean McKeag tries on a new outfit to wear to his interview for a photojournalist job at the Times Leader.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_13581975_10206220890590508_172150342486064051_o.jpg.optimal.jpg

By Sean McKeag

Sean McKeag is a photojournalist at the Times Leader. Reach him at 570-991-6391 or at [email protected].