Here’s to 15 Years

IT PROBABLY DRIVES KIDS NUTS, BUT I LIKE ASKING THEM ABOUT THEIR DREAM JOBS. I’m sure they’re eye-rolling on the inside (and probably on the outside) at my lame adult attempts to connect with them, but it’s always a joy when you get an answer like “an artist, fashion designer, swimmer or maybe a doctor if those don’t work out,” as a 10-year-old recently told me. When you’re young, the things you like—drawing, sports, music, science—are all potential jobs. It doesn’t occur to you that there might be more to it than passion, and that passions can change as we age.

I’m sure I once planned on “owning horses” as my grown-up job, but as far back as I can remember, I wanted to make magazines. I like to say I’ve been an editor since middle school, when a friend and I petitioned the school board to help us fund a student “literary” magazine. I’m pretty sure we managed at least an issue.

I got lucky, probably luckier than many kids—not only did I know what I wanted to do, I had the opportunity and support to make it happen. Teachers that encouraged me to read more. Parents that heard “I’m going to major in journalism and English!” and never said, “Are you sure? Do they pay people for that?” Fifteen years ago, I accepted a job as New Hampshire Magazine assistant editor. Just as I was settling in here at McLean Communications, New Hampshire Home debuted its first issue.

For that decade and change, I’ve helped tell and celebrate the stories of New Hampshire, and we’re nowhere close to running out of content. Hundreds of issues have come and gone, and I’m still delighted to uncover the next interesting person, forgotten piece of history or thriving business. It’s not exactly what I imagined the job to be back when I was debating horse owner versus magazine writer (there were far more penthouse offices and apartments involved, for one), but it is exactly the job I was supposed to do.

Two years ago, when I joined the staff of New Hampshire Home, I didn’t know what to expect. What I soon discovered is that it’s no different than the core mission of New Hampshire Magazine—we show readers, both people in and outside New Hampshire, what a special place this is, and how lucky we are to call it home. And, just like with New Hampshire Magazine, I quickly realized Home is in no danger of running out of content. In fact, one of the hardest parts of the job is finding room for all of the outstanding projects and people deserving of recognition.

We could go on another 15 years—and I hope we do—and still not find the bottom of this continuously filling well. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this magazine such a success, from my dedicated and talented coworkers to the welcoming people who have opened their doors to us and invited us into their homes. A magazine is also nothing without a loyal readership—we are proud to be a part of your community. And, of course, we are grateful for the many local businesses that not only provide the stunning content our readers have come to expect, but also support our mission to showcase the best the state has to offer. Finally, while falling back on horse lady might sound like a good idea at age 12, I’m glad I can keep on doing dream job No. 1. It’s a pretty good gig.

ethoits@nhmagazine.com