Hi there

Goodbyes are never easy.

When I started down the path of becoming a journalist I knew two things: I wanted to be in print journalism and I wanted to work at a community-centered paper.

When graduation rolled around and the opportunity to work at the Southeast Iowa Union arose, it was perfect.

Being raised in a small town, the idea of living and working in one seemed comfortable, fitting - and it was.

I have enjoyed every minute of my time here. Washington County is amazing. The energy within the community members and leaders is exhilarating. I can see why people stay here for the long haul.

Even during a national pandemic people were kind, courtesy and doing everything in their power to provide a shred of joy.

I was welcomed with open arms. It is hard to think of everything I have done here in just short of a year, but it is not hard to remember the smiles and nice greetings I received from interviewees and community members. I am so thankful for that.

There is never a good time to say goodbye.

I would be lying if I said I have seen everything, done everything and written everything I wanted to here. There is always more to do and even more so in a community such as Washington.

I am proud of the work I have done here, and I have learned more than words can express.

I have loved telling just a few of the stories of Washington County, and I cannot thank the community enough for the help everyone has provided me. From letting me into moments of their lives, to helping me find a phone number, it was all appreciated.

By the time you are reading this, I will be packing up my things and preparing to move. Leaving was not an easy decision to make and many hours leading up to the decision were spent contemplating the future.

Stepping outside of my comfort zone, I have accepted a position with the Sioux City Journal as an education and county government reporter.

So in my final piece for the Southeast Iowa Union, I say thank you and goodbye.