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As I reflect on 2017, I find that the most important thing I have gained is embracing that 2017 was a year of self-discovery.
In the first quarter of the year, I had hit a point in my life where I really need to think things through-in terms of the direction I wanted to go. I had a really good conversation with a dear friend of mine, and one part of her conversation really resonated with me.
"Do you want a career where you can make money, or do you want a career that really makes you happy?" She really had a good point, and it was something I really needed to think about. My parents used to say to me all time-and continue to this day- "money doesn't always make you happy." As a result, the later part of the question seemed like the most natural way for me to go. After some "soul searching" and surrounding myself with the right people, my year of self-discovery lead me to both the Dodgeville Chronicle and the Democrat Tribune.
For the short time I have been here, I can honestly say without hesitation that this was the best decision for me. While my post high school education took me on the path of agriculture, quite a different direction from journalism, I have always been someone that enjoys interacting with people and learning about the many stories that are out there. The sheer curiosity within me has been a great win for these positions.
Words of thanks are simply not enough for the many people who have been big contributions during this past year. First of all, to my family: I know that during this self-discovery. I have shown many moments of hesitation and at times, frustration. I really appreciate you standing by me during those times and showing your unconditional love and support.
To my friends, thank you for giving your true and honest advice during the times that I have needed it the most. At times, you have all shown that you know me, during moments where I have been uncertain of myself.
To my co-workers at Point Foods and Outlaw Country, thank you for being another important part of this exciting and interesting year. I continue to cherish the laughs, the jokes and the many "little things" that make each day interesting.
To Sara Lomasz Flesch, thank you for sending me to the job of a lifetime. Whatever you saw in me during our many conversations, I am glad to partake in the world of journalism. I can honestly say I truly love it, and look forward to
To the staff at the Dodgeville Chronicle and the Democrat Tribune-Shelly, Pat, Mike, Ryan, Christiana, Jessica, Janelle and Julie, I want to say thank you! I really enjoy working with all of you! You make each day a great day, and I enjoy getting to know you all as I learn this exciting and crazy world of journalism.
And finally, to the readers of both The Dodgeville Chronicle, and The Democrat Tribune, thank you for allowing me to share my stories with you and I hope you enjoy the many stories that are sure to come. We, at The Dodgeville Chronicle and The Democrat, are a community-based paper that covers news and features that aim to hit home; stories we cannot receive elsewhere. We will continue providing REAL stories to our readers. We present the true story, and the truth, we will always tell.
Have a safe and prosperous New Year. Let 2018 be a New Year of new beginnings!