Since joining the Paducah Sun in late October, reporter Laqueta Perry has written about city news, events, the police beat, the occasional obituary and, just the other day, exactly just what happens to Christmas trees once they’re used up and tossed out after the holidays. When she’s not covering the news, she’s cheering on her favorite basketball team, the Memphis Tigers.
Laqueta Perry, you are cute, cute, cute, no doubt about it! Congrats on your first reporter job with the Sun! How did you find out about Paducah?
There’s a Web site where journalism jobs are posted. I graduated from the University of Memphis in May and applied for the Sun position in June. They called me in October, so I came up and interviewed for the job.
And you got it! Rock on! What inspired you to study journalism?
I didn’t really think about journalism until I took my first journalism course in college. In elementary school, we had a little newsletter that I wrote for. And I did the yearbook in high school. So when I took my first journalism class, I remember thinking, “This is something I like to do! Why didn’t I realize this before? I should do this!”
And you graduated magna cum laude!
School has never been hard for me. It wasn't like I studied nonstop or anything. I retain information pretty well, so that helps.
So you moved here from your hometown of Memphis? Actually, I grew up in Millington, about 20 minutes north of Memphis. So I got to experience a big city and a small town at the same time.
How do you like Paducah?
Everyone is genuinely friendly, which is good. People are nice everywhere, but they’re not always genuine. Paducah is awesome.
No doubt! Describe what you do for the Sun.
I’m a general assignment reporter so that means…everything! I write a lot of the staff report items that don’t have any bylines. I cover a lot of random things that come in. And I report on whatever is going on with the police.
I read on your Facebook page that you call 20 different police agencies a day. A day?
Yes, every day. The police agencies know me pretty well.
Why do you have to call so often?
I have to find out if they’ve come across anything interesting.
Are they ever all “No comment” and all that?
Some are more open to talking than others. In most cases, they’re willing to share information. Especially if someone is wanted. The exposure is always good. It’s kind of a push and pull — the police are doing their job and we’re doing ours.
Wow, I bet covering the police beat is a great way to screen men! When a guy tells you his name, you’ll know right away whether he’s been up to some no good!
Hah, yeah, I guess so! When guys find out that I’m a reporter, they can be a little stand-off-ish. You know, the whole, “Are we on the record?” thing. But when I’m not working, I’m not working….
Really? Can you turn work on and off?Actually, when I hear fire trucks, I’m always curious about what’s happening!
What’s your work schedule like?
I work in the afternoons, from 2:30-10:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.
Aaack! Including weekend nights?
Yes.
That’s prime dating time! Doesn’t that interfere with your love life?
Yeah, it’s tough because I can’t go out on a Friday or Saturday night. The only nights I have free are Monday and Tuesday, and those aren’t very exciting nights. And I have the mornings, but most people work 9 to 5. So yes, it’s a challenge.
So you miss the Twenty Thirty Group Mix@6 at Di Fratelli’s on Wednesdays and their First Fridays?
I can stop by on my 30-minute break, and I have met a few people that way. But other than that, yes I miss quite a bit!
Hum, sounds like you need Mr. Super-Flexible-Schedule. Are you looking for any particular type of fella?
I like someone with a sense of humor. I have a weird sense of humor, and I love to laugh. I want someone who’s intelligent and open-minded about things.
Right on! So what are your journalism aspirations?
I’d like to be a fashion editor one day. Robin Givhan, fashion editor for the Washington Post, won a Pulitzer for fashion reporting last year. That was cool.
I’d like to write more features, but I’m still learning the ropes. I learn a lot from the editors. They’re always leaving comments on my drafts like, “We need to know this,” or “Find out about that.” It’s a great learning process.
What’s been your favorite story so far?
Probably the one on the Oscar Cross House renovation. I had to interview quite a few people. Many people admired Oscar Cross and don’t want to see his house torn down. If my story brings more attention to the situation, then I’m happy about that.
What do you like best about reporting?
I meet a lot of people. Having to interview people is a great excuse for meeting them. And I like writing.
Do you ever get writer’s block?I always have a hard time starting out. Once I get going, I’m fine. Sometimes I have to let it sit for a while. I’ll think about what should come first in a story — what’s the most important thing? And then I just get going.
Tell us about this basketball obsession of yours! I love that you put Memphis Basketball trivia on your Facebook.
The Memphis Tigers are my favorite team! “We’re” trying to win the national title this year! My favorite player probably is Joey Dorsey, because 75 percent of the time, you know he's going to dunk on someone. I am terrible at sports and have horrible coordination. Because I am average, people assume I would be good, but I am not at all.
Well, Laqueta, you are certainly not average! You are GORGEOUS! I’m sure you’ve got men jumping through hoops to attract your media attention all the time! We look forward to more of your Sun stories! Write on!
