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A couple Fridays ago, I received one of the happiest calls of my life. When the Wisconsin Newspaper Association called to tell me that I was one of the Top five "Future Headliners," I was completely shocked. You should have seen my face-I could've sworn my jaw was unhinged at that point!
Since then, I have received many calls, cards, texts, and social media messages with congratulatory wishes and what not. To all of those people, all I can say is....THANK YOU.
I've always been a curious person, and working for a small-town community newspaper, I have been able to find stories in a quick turnaround. Thank you to those who have been willing to share their stories with myself; along with everyone at the Dodgeville Chronicle. Those opportunities wouldn't have happened without the phone calls, office visits, and emails shedding light on those stories.
I can honestly say that I have found my niche in community journalism. Starting as a girl with a bachelors degree in Agricultural Business, there was a point in my life where I was trying to find the "why" in my life. Journalism has been the answer to that question, and it came at a great time.
The journey began when someone saw something me that I didn't even see within myself. That journey continued by getting to know and work with some great people: Pat, Mike, Shelly, Jessica, Ryan, Christiana Janelle, Gary and Paula (Gary and Paula are from the Pecatonica Valley Leader). Thank you all for being YOU and being along for the ride. It takes a team to make a village and I saw we make a great team! It couldn't be done without any of you. Thank you is truly an understatement. Thank you also to my family, friends, and so many others! The journey has been great and the stories will continue. There's always a story: Go out there and find it!
Sincerely, Kasi