Rebecca Leisher has joined the staff of the South Whidbey Record as a reporter through the summer.

Leisher returns to her native Whidbey Island after graduating from the University of Oregon in 2011 with a degree in journalism with a magazine emphasis and a Spanish minor. While in Eugene, she wrote for Ethos magazine and produced multimedia for Flux Magazine, both award-winning student publications. She recently completed an online editorial internship with YES! Magazine on Bainbridge Island.

Throughout the last five years, she has lived, studied and volunteered in Mexico — where she discovered her love of attempting to communicate across languages and cultures — and the spunky little dog “Mantequilla” she brought back with her.

“We’re excited to have someone with Rebecca’s enthusiasm for journalism join the team,” said Record editor Brian Kelly. “Rebecca is not only a gifted storyteller, but is also a skilled visual journalist, and we’re eager to share her talents with our readers.”

Leisher said she is happy to be on Whidbey for the sunniest part of the year and to extend her journalistic experience beyond magazines.

“It’s exciting to be part of a newsroom, and the staff here seems like a fun group of people,” Leisher said. “I’m looking forward to engaging myself with the South Whidbey community.”