Patch Editor MarieSam Sanchez Says Farewell & Thank You

I remember the afternoon so vividly, my former editor at the L.A. Times Sports Desk posted on Facebook that he had just accepted a new position as a Regional Sports Editor for Patch.com. I quickly messaged him my well wishes and asked him about this company called Patch. Truth be told, I had seen the Patch ads in search of journalists on several jobs boards, but because the position sounded too good to be true, I thought it had to be a scam.
Nearly three years later, I am proud to say, this job was so much more than I had hoped for and an adventure and challenge that I have learned so much from.

But I say all this because today is my last day with Patch.com and I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to reflect on my journey and thank all those I've met along the way.

While my role with Patch has transitioned and changed dramatically over the past year -- from Local Editor of Cerritos-Artesia Patch, to helping take care of three to seven sites, to becoming a Community Editor for several sites in the Southern California region -- I have always kept a watchful eye on Cerritos-Artesia Patch, sending story ideas and tips to the content editor who took over the responsibilities of my former role, and keeping in touch with the many wonderful people I've met on this path. Cerritos-Artesia Patch was just an idea a few years ago that grew into a reliable and solid community news source for the people in my hometown. What can I say? In a way, it was my baby and I am so proud I had the chance to watch it grow.

I lived my entire life in Cerritos-Artesia and grew up in the ABC Unified School District, but I have to admit, I didn't truly appreciate my surroundings and all the incredible people that made this place my home until I became a Patch editor. I have had the opportunity to cover some incredible stories and interview so many amazing people over the past few years, and I can honestly say, I've never worked so hard and learned so much than during my years with Patch. I have enjoyed every opportunity to talk to local citizens, students, teachers, families and officials. And to all the loyal readers who sent me news tips or wrote on the Facebook page at all hours of the day and night when they saw something worth reporting on -- Patch would be nothing without you. Thank you so much for everything.

It has been an honor working alongside such a network of talented journalists, editors, reporters and photographers -- some of the very best in the business. And of course, being able to serve and report on the community I have loved all my life is an experience that I will always be grateful for.

Tomorrow I will wake up without the dozens of Patch-related emails waiting in my inbox, something I've grown accustomed to for almost three years. Will it be strange? Absolutely. Will I be sad? Maybe a little. But with every end, there is a new beginning. And I am truly excited for the new adventures that await me ... more time to focus on my photography business, some opportunities to delve back into my true loves -- broadcast journalism and sports reporting (maybe one day you'll see me on the sidelines of an NBA or NFL game!) -- and lots of personal/professional projects that I've put on the back burner because I've been too busy living the "Patch life." :) As I've learned my whole life, Carpe Diem, every day.

Although I am leaving Patch and moving on to a new phase in my life and career, I would like to emphasize that Cerritos-Artesia Patch along with other local Patch sites will remain open for community news, local blogs, event postings and local conversation. And I truly hope that you will continue to support your local Patch and remain involved, because I will too (including restarting my Patch blog!). And if you have any future news tips or information that you'd like to see on Patch, please forward it to: Gina Tenorio at gina.tenorio@patch.com or email cerritos@patch.com

The great thing is, while I will be leaving Patch, I'll still be in and out of town because for my parents, Cerritos is and always will be home. So if you see me around, please don't hesitate to say hello. Till we meet again!