It’s a two-sided coin, this. An opportunity to say goodbye to an entire community but also something that can only be written in broad strokes, absent the hugs and the clasping of hands that I usually prefer for my goodbyes.
The reason is that today was my last day at the Wrangell Sentinel. I start my new job as a food and culture writer with the USA Today network in Boston in just five days.
So, to all those who’ve been kind to me at any point in the past nine months — even if it was just a tiny little moment — I’m clasping my hands together, ever so slightly nodding my head and saying thank you. Truly, thank you. And now I’m giving you a hug.
This was my first full-time job. Which, not for nothing, I think is about as cool as a first full-time job can be. I did journalism for four years at college with no financial incentive and now they’re paying me to do it??? What a blessing. I still can’t really believe it.
It being my first ever job though, I certainly made mistakes. I spelled a man’s name wrong roughly eight billion times in a feature story about him (sorry John); I proved incapable of counting to seven when the U.S. Army apologized to SEVEN (not six) clans in January; and I might’ve annoyed Schools Superintendent Bill Burr (not the standup comedian) a few too many times in the past nine months.
And while many of these errors haunt me every single day, I equally recall all the positives, all the things y’all have been gracious enough to share with me. And that’s something unique to journalism that I love. My job is to walk around town and ask questions and learn things and write down what I’ve learned. What a blessing.
Mike and Katherine and Esther taught me the intricacies of a culture and tradition I’d never heard of before I moved here. Chris and Alisha taught me Hatch chili peppers are my new favorite pepper in the world. Anna taught me that it’s alright to be uncompromising in following your joy, and Anne taught me bears really aren’t all that different than people.
Heather taught me that consistency is the most important trait in pickleball. And John taught me that you never know who you’re going to click with, and the very worst thing you can do is be anything other than what’s in your heart.
Kristy, Brian, Diane, Cody, Steven and Nola taught me that inviting someone into your home can sometimes be the kindest thing to do, and Amber reinforced a core belief of mine: that family is the most important thing in the world.
And a thank you to Larry who not only took a chance on me but provided me with guidance and knowledge that I will carry with me for my entire career.
Last thing. Katherine George-Byrd is genuinely an angel sent from heaven. If I ever — EVER — find out someone was mean to her, I am booking the first flight back here and coming after you with nothing less than a small army.
Speaking of which, I’ll be back in town during the second week of May. A friend and I received a grant for a documentary project, so I’m not quite finished sharing Wrangell’s stories just yet. For that, I’m genuinely so excited.
And please holler if you’re ever looking for food tips in Boston; I’ll be around.
What a blessing. See you then.
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