I wanted to kick things off big because I am so excited to be here. However, I hate talking about myself so I will just cut to the basics. I grew up on a dairy farm with my family in the small town of Fennimore. Despite my family’s love for cattle, I am a huge horse girl at heart. I will save the debate of the superior animal for another time.

I’ve always enjoyed creating stories to captivate and entertain people. My mom loves to tell everyone how, even at age 5, I was tormenting my sisters with ghost stories before bed time. In turn I was rewarded with the privilege of staying up the latest despite being the youngest. It was one of the first times I realized the power of words.

For a long time, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I wanted to do something important, something to help people. I wanted to be a comedian, an astronaut, a director, a marine biologist, an English teacher, a therapist, a mathematician, an agriculture teacher, and so many in-between. Writing was one that stayed constant, though. I realized it was one of the best ways to help people. Through writing I am able to help get important information or see things from a new perspective.

I went to UW-Madison still a bit unsure of what I really wanted. I sought to find my own path, beginning with film through the Communication Arts program. It wasn’t long before I began to rediscover my passion for mental health and explored the psychology program as well. Towards the end of my college career, I circled back to journalism, still in awe of the power it held over all areas of life. It is truly amazing what one word can do.

Earlier this month, I completed my triple-major and was lucky to have The Monroe Times hire me for this reporter position. Now I am blessed to be in Monroe with my family. (Don’t listen to a word they say. I’m not “bad”, I am “the worst”.) I want to give a shout to my grandma, Christi Flanagan, who has been a longtime supporter of this paper and of me. 

All jokes aside, I am really happy to be here. I hope this community, The Monroe Times, and I can all grow here together. If you ever see me out and about, feel free to say “Hi”! I love getting to know people. I don’t know very many yet, but I hope to soon.

— Angie Maag started at the Monroe Times May 25. She can be contacted at 608-328-4202 ext. 22, or amaag@themonroetimes.com.