A Transition

Although I have made a living as a writer, I am new to blogging. However, I figured this would be the best way to keep in touch with my friends and family back home, as well as anyone I meet on my new adventure.

I thought the best way to make the jump to blogging — and the 21st century — would be to post my final Ennis Daily News column.

The following was originally published in the April 30, 2010 edition of the Ennis Daily News (Ennis, Texas).

“The real act of discovery is not in finding new lands, but in seeing with new eyes.”
-Jerold Panas

Dear Readers,
Seeing with new eyes — I believe I am.
I was fresh out of college when I was hired at the Ennis Daily News in October 2008. Previously, I had written for my college paper, the TCU Daily Skiff. While my college education was a valuable foundation, I learned so much more in my first year at the EDN than I did while in school.
And, readers, my real-world education is thanks in part to you. Thank you for sharing your points of view with me — thank you for opening my eyes to the various issues I’ve covered during my time here.
I also wanted the chance to say, publicly, that I am forever grateful to the guidance EDN Editor Nick Todaro has given me since his arrival almost a year ago. I’ve told him time and again, and he’s probably tired of hearing about how much of an impact he’s had on my work. But I had to say it one more time.
The quote above from Jerold Panas is from a Meals on Wheels calendar that counted down the days of 2009 for me. Panas’ quote graced the October 12 page — Columbus Day, appropriately. By that time I had been at the EDN for almost one year, and it resonated with me. I had already learned so much. I tore off the page and it has been on the bulletin board next to my desk ever since.
I want to continue to learn; continue to see with new eyes. Although Panas said you don’t have to see a new place to have a new point of view, going to new lands can definitely accelerate the onset of a new perspective.
Everything thus far has lined up and led to my next adventure, which I consider a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am leaving in less than a month for Peace Corps service in Kenya.
I’m about to turn 25, but I can assure you this isn’t a quarter-life crisis. It’s something that has been in the back of my mind since high school, and the time is finally right for me to go.
Everything I’ve done since I was 18 has led me to this point.
Finishing college, volunteering with a hospice, substitute teaching and, finally, receiving the valuable full-time experience as a newspaper reporter here at the EDN.
Although my Peace Corps volunteer position is officially called “HIV/AIDS and Hygiene Educator,” I am sure my communication skills will be put to good use in Kenya.
My last day at the EDN will be next Thursday, and until then, I will continue to do as much as I can for the Ennis community.
I don’t know exactly what is in store for me when I get to Kenya, but I know I will still be writing. Contact me for a link to my blog, if you are interested in reading about what I’m up to.
I want to thank everyone I’ve interviewed and everyone on my beats (Ellis County government and education) for contributing to the age-old process of informing the public about issues important to their daily lives.
I’m leaving, but I won’t forget the valuable roles each of you have played in my career here at the EDN. Thanks for reading.