Except for 18 misguided months in Warren, Stephen is a lifelong resident of South County. He grew up in Charlestown, graduating from Chariho High School in 2002 and the University of Rhode Island in 2007.

Despite looking about 16 years old if clean shaved, he spent two years at the Newport Daily News as their weekend intern, followed by news and sports positions at East Bay Newspapers and The Westerly Sun for another three years. At various points, he has also served as a regular beat reporter for the URI men's basketball team, a video game reviewer, and an entertainment editor and reporter.

Your Beliefs

I believe Conan O'Brien summed them up well as he was ironically being shown the door on The Tonight Show: "I hate cynicism — it's my least favorite quality and it doesn't lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen.  As proof, let's make an amazing thing happen right now."

Politics

I generally skew liberal on social issues and defense issues, and conservative on spending. I imagine I would have been a big fan of John Chafee, and I thought Lincoln Almond did a good job as governor. I have never voted a straight party ticket.

Religion

I was dipped in water as a baby - I know, because there are photos of it. However, I'm otherwise non-religious, although I believe that people should be free to worship whatever deity they choose.

You can reach Stephen via e-mail at stephen.greenwell@patch.com .