Thomas DiZazzo, Neighbor

A graduate of UMass-Amherst in journalism, sportswriter DiZazzo wrote for the school's daily paper The Collegian, also interning at Schwartz Communications, a public relations firm, and R.S.V.P., the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program.

He received an associate's degree from Northern Essex Community College in journalism and broadcasting, interning at the New England Sports Network. Thomas was the only intern NESN ever accepted from a community college, a feather in his cap since he was infatuated with the Red Sox at the time.

From Methuen, Mass., he recently crossed the country searching for the land of milk and honey, landing in his brother's attic in Seattle. He's 24 and now has his own digs.