From the state of Michigan, reporter, editor, mother, and wife Angie Fenton spends her free time with family and giving back to the community.

“Pick a cause and really immerse yourself into something,” Fenton said. “Find that passion and commit time to that. Once a year is not enough. In general, be kind to people. Connect with others on a human level.”

Fenton is dedicated to her work as well as other organizations. She is the editor of EXTOL, EXTOL Sports and The Voice-Tribune and goes live weekdays on WHAS Great Day Live as a reporter. She says she has learned a lot over the years as a journalist and wants to give back in every way she can.

“Shared human experiences and knowing others stories enriches our own,” Fenton said. “It allows us to see the world from so many different perspectives, instead of just looking at life with our blinders on.”

Fenton says EXTOL makes it a point to highlight philanthropy in every issue with the section “Example” and either participate in events or host events to give back. Fenton and others help prepare and serve meals for homeless people on Thanksgiving and Christmas for Exit 0. Jesus Cares at Exit 0 is an organization that focuses on homelessness in Jeffersonville, Clarksville, New Albany and Louisville.

“I get the opportunity to showcase really neat things for our community,” Fenton said. “I learn something new every day and sometimes that gives me a story idea. I think sometimes we forget there’s beautiful people out there.”

Fenton says they like to highlight people who do exceptional things in the community. Some ways Fenton gives back to people is by speaking about her experiences and inspiring young journalists.

“It was part of my degrees gearing towards becoming a college professor, so teaching and public speaking have come easier to me,” Fenton said. “Having to know a subject and teach it to someone else prepared me because as storytellers we learn all the information and then share it with others.”

Fenton spoke to the Blotter staff January 26 about becoming journalists and some of her experiences. Sophomore Kelly Titus is a writer for the Blotter and listened in.

“(Fenton) is so determined and has an amazing work ethic,” Titus said. “She works so many jobs and owns her own magazine, which in itself is so inspiring. She works her tail off to get what she wants and I love that about her.”

Titus wanted to know how to make her writing better, as well as more about the field of journalism. Fenton gave her advice.

“I learned how to fix the fact that I write too much,” Titus said. “She gave me advice on editing and how to control my writing so it doesn’t go overboard. The stories she tells can give you a lot of good life lessons about journalism and are super interesting.”

Another sophomore writer for the Blotter, Kaitlyn Burdinelistened in on what Fenton had to say to the class.

“Out of everything she said, the thing that stood out to me the most was her willingness to work,” Burdine said. “Every personal experience she shares just gives me inspiration to work as hard as I can.”

Working hard is something Fenton says she got from her biggest inspiration, her mother. Her mother loved to give back to the community even though she was a single mother with several kids.

“As a kid writing, public speaking, and giving back were always a passion of mine,” Fenton said. “It is a responsibility and a privilege; we are supposed to give back. I remember going through this bin of clothes for a coat and I gave it to a boy at my school who didn’t have one. I made sure he got that coat and that no one knew he got that coat from me. It was the coolest thing, and I was able to do that for him.”

Fenton believes that giving back is something everyone needs to do, and not just for recognition. Just do it because we should.

“It was just a little connection of kindness,” Fenton said. “And even though I like to let other people know what they can do for what they believe in, we don’t always need recognition for that kindness. Sometimes we need to keep that to ourselves and just know we did that because we should.”