Meet Monroe Trombly, a reporter who covers a little bit of everything

Monroe Trombly covers breaking and trending news. The Cincinnati native joined the Columbus Dispatch in November after working for the Mansfield News Journal as a city hall and breaking news reporter.

Why I became a journalist:

In 2015, Donald Trump descended an escalator at his New York tower and announced he would run for president of the United States.

At the time, I was taking classes at the University of Cincinnati and had recently switched my major from journalism to environmental studies. But as Trump spoke, I began to doubt my commitment to a potential career of research into climate change. The whole thing was so curious: a real estate mogul and reality TV star running for the nation's highest office.

In that moment, I had caught the journalism bug — for a second time. I quickly became interested in local, state and national politics, something that hadn't been the case earlier. (Whilst a journalism major, I had written movie and concert reviews for The News Record, the University of Cincinnati's student newspaper.)

In short, I wanted to learn how things work and come to be. So instead of switching majors once more, I resolved to finish a bachelor's degree in environmental studies and pursue a career in journalism after graduation.

What I like best about my job:

As a breaking and trending news reporter, I do a little bit of everything.

I sometimes pinch-hit for criminal justice reporters if they can't make a hearing, and often collaborate with education or business reporters on longer stories.

As a journalist, I also enjoy learning how things work — how tax dollars are spent, how policy is enacted. Before joining The Dispatch, I covered city hall and local politics in Mansfield for the town's newspaper.

I often say that being a journalist is like having a passport that takes you to unexpected places. In five short years, countless people whom I've met have entrusted me with their stories and put up with my nagging questions.

A story I have worked on that has had a lasting impact on me:

During my time in Mansfield, a local nonprofit reported how nearly 70% of Black men between the ages of 16 and 64 were not in Richland County's labor force between 2013 and 2017. Compare that to 33% of Black women, 26.1% of white men and 29.3% of white women during that same time frame.

I wrote a story that aimed to explore why so many Black men were not participating in or entering the local workforce. Based on a series of interviews with local Black and biracial men, the answer varied. Some cited stereotypes and prejudice, while others cited lack of opportunity or barriers to entry, such as having a felony on their record.

The story reinforced to me just how difficult it can be to make a living in this country if societal and economic factors get in the way.

The biggest challenge I face:

Turning my brain off for the night, especially if a story isn't done. I often find myself "writing" important stories in my sleep, which doesn't make for great mornings.

Also: building trust with communities that historically haven't been treated fairly or given the coverage they deserve.

What I like to do when I'm not working:

Read, watch movies, attend concerts, hike and camp.

A love of camping was instilled in me by my late grandfather and step-grandmother. While growing up, I would visit them each summer in Anchorage, Alaska, for three to four weeks at a time.

I also recently started playing recreational soccer for the first time since high school. I barely make it down the stairs each morning after a Sunday game.

Favorite event or central Ohio tradition:

I have yet to attend a Columbus Crew game, which I expect will become my chosen activity during weekends. (Go FC Cincinnati.)

Why journalism matters:

Journalism is an important conduit for voices which may not otherwise be heard. Great stories have the ability to foster empathy and understanding, and journalists ask probing questions on behalf of you, the public.

mtrombly@dispatch.com

@monroetrombly

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Meet Monroe Trombly, a reporter who who likes learning how things work