When I first received a call about a job here at the Times-Journal, I had never even been to Selma. Little did I know, I would be spending the next year and three months here working and getting to know the city quite well.

But now the time has come for me to say goodbye to Selma as Blake and I take the next step of our lives together in Arkansas.

I’ve met some amazing people during my time in Selma, too many to try to name them all, and I can’t thank you all enough for opening your arms and welcoming me into your lives, sometimes even when you’re most vulnerable.

My time at the Times-Journal has been one that I will forever cherish. I’ve learned more than I ever thought I could and I’ve developed relationships that I hope to always keep.  There were days where I was frustrated and there were days that I was excited about what was to come, but no matter my feelings, there was always someone I could turn to.  From my first story with Ashley Mason about the Haunted History Tours to covering hundreds of little first graders at the Selma-Dallas County Library with Becky Nichols and on to President Barack Obama visiting for the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, these last few months have been pretty amazing to say the least.

People have asked me what I’ll miss the most after I leave Selma, and the answer is always the people. I never thought that I would be as emotional as I was when I told some of you goodbye.

To Doug Horton and the rest of the fine men, and Candice Irwin, at the Selma Fire Department, thank you for always putting a smile on my face and making sure I have all the camera gear I needed whenever I needed it. No matter my mood or what event I was covering, running into you guys was always the highlight.

Covering the Fire Safety Month programs at the elementary schools are some of my favorite assignments. It’s amazing to me the impact that Da’Ron Waters, Terrence Venter and James Murphy have on the children. Selma is lucky to have such a great group of men willing to go our of their way to put a smile on a child’s face while also teaching them to stop, drop and roll.

I was always amazed at the heart of Mayor George Evans and his connection with the youth and special needs children in the county. Thank you Mayor Evans for always hugging my neck and making me feel special, no matter the event.

There’s no way I can name all the people that I’ve grown to love over the last year, so the easiest way to do it is to say thank you, Selma.

Thank you Selma for helping me grow into the photographer and journalist that I am today. Although I am excited to see what is ahead for me, I am sad to say goodbye. I really will miss you all.