“It’s not you, it’s me.” It’s so cliché and we’ve all heard it before but sometimes it’s true.
Today is my last day at the Register. I hate to say it but it’s not you, Iola, it’s me.
I’ve taken a new job in Joplin and I will be moving this weekend. This move allows me to be closer to family and friends. This decision was very heartfelt, and it truly was a hard one to make.
Now don’t go getting the wrong idea.
I love my job as a reporter for this small, daily newspaper. Since I was a child I wanted to be a reporter and I have learned so much in the 2½ years I’ve been here.
When I moved to Iola right after college graduation I didn’t know a soul. It was a tough transition to say the least. I’m lucky to be a reporter in such a small town. In the first month here I met so many people it was a little overwhelming, but I’m very fortunate.
In my position I’ve been able to see firsthand how spectacular Iola is. I’ve met people trying to better the health of Allen County. I’ve met educators who devote countless hours to the betterment of Iola’s youth. I’ve seen how hard local business owners work to keep downtown Iola thriving. I’ve sat down with community members who create fundraisers and events to help their fellow neighbors when times are tough.
These are the ones who make it hard to leave.
Longtime Register reporter Bob Johnson has told me time and time again everyone has a story. This is so accurate. It’s neat to sit down with someone who doesn’t think they have a story to tell. They allow me to slowly peel back the layers of their lives and tell their tales. It’s been an honor to tell these citizens’ stories.
I know when you’ve lived in an environment your whole life it’s easy to miss the great things your community has to offer. Iola has fantastic gems that I will miss dearly: the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, dog park, disc golf course and local festivals like Farm-City Days.
Another plus is the amazing co-workers who have taken me under their wings and taught me how to become a better writer.
The best part about this newsroom is how nicely everyone gets along. We are one big dysfunctional, quirky family.
The biggest thank you is extended to the Register owner and editor, Susan Lynn. She has taught me to become more confident in my writing and her advice, although it was hard to hear sometimes, always helped me improve.
Thank you, Iola, for allowing me to be a part of your community. Believe me when I say breaking up is hard to do.
Breaking up is hard to do
