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Thursday, February 6, 2025

The Way I See It – Thanks for Reading!

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Back in November of 2022, I ran into Stephanie Penick at the Shanower Memorial. We talked about various matters including growing up in Naperville, my military service, patriotism, my law enforcement background, and, of course, Dan Shanower. I mentioned that I had given a speech at the memorial back in 2007 regarding my friendship and Naval service with Dan. She asked me for a copy. Later I sent her a few more samples of my writing, requesting her professional critique. A few days later I was honored when she asked me if I would be interested in writing a monthly column for PN. I said yes.

My whole life I have enjoyed writing. At Highlands School, I got the bug from teachers like Mrs. Fawell and Mrs. Hanson. Later at Washington Jr. High and then NCHS, instruction from Mrs. Case, Mr. Taylor and Mrs. Jones furthered my interest in prose. Finally, at North Central College, Professors Guzman and Eastman helped me develop my own storytelling style and structure.

This column has given me the chance to play raconteur on subjects such as life aboard a US Navy carrier, “true” (read: humorous) exploits of a federal lawman, and tales of growing up in Naperville when it was more of a sleepy Mayberry, than a burgeoning metropolis appearing on all sorts of Top Ten Best lists around the country.

In the past three years I have heard from so many people, from all over the country, and even overseas, regarding my columns. Some of the comments were laudatory, while others wanted to know more about what I had written that month. Regardless of the correspondence and the sender’s intent, all the feedback was instructive and encouraging. I have even made new email “pen pals” and always enjoy their comments immensely. But by far the best experience in having been asked to write my monthly musings has been the spontaneous encounter with a reader at a restaurant, bar or a random social gathering and they tell me, “Pablo, I read your column last week, and really liked it.”

Music to my ears.

With Stephanie’s blessing, I have asked for a break from my monthly column. This is my 36th column, and it will be my last for a while. Stephanie has graciously agreed to let me act as a “guest columnist” when the creative juices hit me.

Thank you all for your support over the past three years!

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P. Araya
P. Araya
Pablo Araya grew up in Naperville and enjoys writing about his experiences in the Navy, the FBI and growing up in the best town around. Contact Pablo at boblow9913@gmail.com.
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