Reports on the Job: From New York to Hargeisa, Somalia

New York – Melanie Stetson FreemanOn assignment on Governors Island recently, I got to photograph children building their own play area. I entered a world filled with towers and walkways of mismatched wood. Youngsters with hammers, saws, and paintbrushes were busy building. Others climbed and explored. I meandered around to see what was happening and to understand the layout, then climbed up one of the towers to get an overview of the playground. I like shooting from on high. I’m usually not observed, and it gives a new angle on my surroundings. A young boy scrambled up and did a double take when he saw me. “I thought this was just for kids under 19!” he said. “You’re right,” I said. “I’m just working here.” He nodded and kept on climbing. Washington – Caitlin BabcockThe midterm elections for Congress are approaching. That means I’ll need to update my deck of 535 flash cards soon. When I’m on Capitol Hill, catching lawmakers and asking questions as they walk to and from votes, I need to be able to know everyone by face. Anytime I’m standing in line or waiting for the Metro, I’m often flipping through these flash cards on my phone, occasionally updating them when I notice a member has cut their hair or grown a beard. The studying is worth it. Some of my best exchanges come from recognizing members who aren’t widely known, which allows me to hold thoughtful conversations away from the crowds of reporters. Mexico City – Whitney EulichWhile reporting on the Pay What You Can initiative, which gives diners access to high-end restaurants typically out of financial reach, I visited Mexico’s Michelin-starred Masala y Maíz. I met housekeepers and street vendors savoring ceviches and samosas that would normally cost a week’s salary. One diner, who had recently lost his job, teared up describing his meal.When I arrived, I stood across the street and photographed the line snaking down the block – a moment to organize my plan and take in the scene without staring or looking awkward. I noticed co-founder and chef Saqib Keval on the sidewalk, crossed the noisy road, and introduced myself. Within minutes, he was walking the first customer of the day over to speak with me. Her story became the perfect lead anecdote – one I would have missed on my own. Deepen your worldviewwith Monitor Highlights.Politics with respectGet political stories with respectful analysis.There‘s a world of new ideas in everyBooks newsletter.There‘s more to life, enrich yours withCulture & Learning weekly.Follow humanity‘s discoveries withScience & Nature stories in your inbox.Gain a spiritual perspectivefrom the stories in your inbox.Want to understand the deeper impact of critical events? Learn the Monitor‘s insight.Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads. Hargeisa, Somalia – Sophie NeimanThe basketball slipped from my hands as I chased Somalia’s female basketball players up the court. They were all too fast for me, dribbling with ease and scoring point after point. I’d come to interview them about sports in Somaliland, a breakaway state in the horn of Africa, and challenges faced by female athletes in particular. On the sidelines, players told me about strict families and the expectations on young women to marry and keep house.Playing with them, albeit badly, helped me understand why this space where women could practice and be themselves was so vital. I was glad to put down my notebook and join them in it, even if only for a moment. ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LoginReal news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.The Christian Science Monitor was founded in 1908 to lift the standard of journalism and uplift humanity. We aim to “speak the truth in love.” Our goal is not to tell you what to think, but to give you the essential knowledge and understanding to come to your own intelligent conclusions. Join us in this mission by subscribing.