Starting anew

My new desk.

You have to start somewhere, according to my mentor and former journalism professor. As I couldn't agree with him more, I am glad Fort Scott is where I will start.

I joined The Tribune staff on Feb. 13 as a general assignment reporter and pretty much jumped right into the position.

To say I was excited and nervous would be an understatement but that is what I think is the greatest part of the job- the unknown.

Being a journalist is something I decided I wanted to pursue within my first year of college. After all, I loved to read, write and talk to people. I am also akin to that generation that wants to read physical papers and books. I refuse to buy a kindle and although I like to read the news on my smart phone, I never miss an opportunity to purchase a paper.

My love of words led me to became a columnist with the University Daily Kansan in 2007 and eventually a reporter covering student Senate and University administration in 2010. I graduated in May with my bachelor's degrees in Journalism and English and eventually would like to pursue my master's in journalism. During the Spring I interned at the Topeka Capital-Journal and during the summer at the Ottawa Herald.

When I first came across the advertisement for the position with the Tribune I jumped at the opportunity to apply and be able to do something I loved to do, despite the fact I had never been here before. Being from Topeka and having established a home and relationship in Lawrence, the close proximity to my family made the job ever more desirable.

And lets face it, as a graduate waiting tables I wasn't exactly in the position to turn down any offers for what we refer to in school as a "big kid job". So I accepted the position and moved to Fort Scott this past weekend.

I look forward to interacting and working with people, another bonus of the job, within the area, . The fact that it is a smaller community will enable me to get to know everyone while at the same time enabling everyone to get to know me on a more personal level.

A quote that sums me up says, "I am where I am because I believe in all possibilities." I hope Fort Scottians can believe in my possibilities as I believe in this job and my new position as a reporter.