Jonathan Herrera joined The Park Record as a staff writer last month, and looks forward to writing about education, health and especially covering the local Latino community.

“I’ve always enjoyed writing as a way to express what I’m thinking and feeling, and it has helped me process things in my life,” he said. “With reporting, in particular, I think writing is an exciting way to share things with people that are important to their lives — things that are happening and things to look out for — especially when it comes to different communities that are within larger communities.”

Herrera, who is also a photographer, looks forward to fulfilling his responsibility as a reporter to inform and educate.

“I think it’s important for people to have access to information, no matter what they are interested in and what their backgrounds are,” he said.

Herrera, who is of Ecuadorian descent, believes providing information is pertinent to his coverage of the Latino community.

“I was born in California and moved to Utah when I was 5, and since then, Utah has changed a lot,” he said. “But when I was little there was a lot of me discovering where I belonged and how I was perceived. And that left me with the desire to help people with similar backgrounds as me and who are going through similar situations I did when I was little. Because many of these people don’t know the different resources that are available to them, that will help them live life in a way they won’t have to worry so much about what people think.”

Herrera’s path to the paper started at the University of Utah, where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in multi-disciplinary design.

“I studied a wide range between digital and physical design, and that’s when I got into photography,” he said. “I began using it as a way to enhance design projects.”

Many of his projects then leaned to the physical, like the time when he created special overalls for babies.

“They had 12 inches of adjustability so they could keep wearing them while they were growing,” he said. “And that also goes into my caring about sustainability and the environment.”

Herrera sees that his commitment to being eco-friendly will play a role in his coverage of education and health.

“It will show how us humans are part of this whole ecosystem,” he said.

After Herrera graduated in 2021, he made a living as a freelance graphic designer, and worked for various companies.

A few months ago, he was contacted by Don Rogers, The Park Record’s editor.

“It was kind of unexpected, but it worked out because I was looking for some change in my routine,” Herrera said. “I always think that things happen to people when they are meant to be.”

While Herrera doesn’t have an extensive background in writing, he is excited to employ his experience in design in his new role.

“One thing I do think is helpful with my background is ‘design thinking,’ which helps me look at things in a holistic way, knowing that anything that’s done will cause something else to happen,” he said. “I like learning and digging deep and finding the why behind the why, and I’m excited to dive into the whole community and learn about the background of it all.”

Herrera also looks forward to seeing what the future has in store for The Park Record.

“I’m interested in learning how The Park Record can become a force that helps the community identify resources or how they can connect with others in the community,” he said.