In the media, it’s easy to become bogged down with politics, mayhem and scandal - but generally, we are a privileged group.

We are exposed to people, places and events that are the envy of many.

The editorial department here at The Advertiser could reel off a list of famous names and places we have encountered, but a quick survey of the office found it was those closest to home who left lasting impressions and had us walking away deeply moved.

Police reporter Sacha McDougal covers some of the most disturbing and confronting matters that journalists are exposed to through the court system, but it’s the human tales she will long remember.

“I remember the interview with a woman who walked the Kokoda Trail in memory of her son who had taken his own life,” she said.

“You also walk away from funerals feeling privileged that you were allowed to be there.”

Nino Bucci is like most of us and finds it hard to single out his most memorable encounter.

“We come away with different responses depending on what they’ve done,” he said.

Nino was impressed by the euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke - someone living by his principles regardless of swirling controversy.

He also was touched by the raw responses in a recent interview with Premier John Brumby, who seemed genuinely torn about some issues, and by a Boort man’s all-encompassing passion to have history preserved.

On my part, I’ll never forget the day I met Queen Elizabeth II. I didn’t have much time for the monarchy before that, but the Queen was one of the most gracious, gentle women I have had the privilege of being exposed to during my career.

Her Majesty was quite taken by a beaded necklace presented to her by a group of proud and excited Alice Springs women as she walked through the Todd Mall.

She did not seem at all out of place when stopping for a chat. Also, Victorian Governor David de Kretser is a true gentleman.

However, an experience with Pauline Hanson has had me laughing for years.