Antoine Abou-Diwan, Neighbor

I was born in Germany, raised in southern California, and love both sides of the Atlantic for different reasons.

My attempts to understand the way things work led me to study economics for a few years, followed by a stint in the mortgage industry and a fair amount of travel.

My love of meeting people and sharing stories led me back to California State University, Northridge, where I am wrapping up my degree in journalism and writing for the school's newspaper, the Daily Sundial.

I believe that a journalist's job is to inform, educate and entertain his or her readers, and I am proud to do this through Patch.

I love reading, whether it's history, politics or fiction and I'm happy to discuss literature.

When I'm not reporting and writing, I'm outdoors enjoying all that southern California offers, whether it is mountain biking or body boarding.

I look forward to getting to know many of you.