Typing away at my keyboard, I write a few words — hit backspace. Try again — delete more. I question myself. How do I begin writing about the end?
When I was in college, I dreamed of working at a newspaper. I knew I wanted to be a journalist — I knew I wanted to write. A wonderful opportunity came halfway through my senior year at Western New England — G. Michael Dobbs of The Reminder was looking to hire an assistant editor.
I applied. The interview was a strange one. I was asked very few questions — one of the most important ones it seemed was, “Do you like to watch movies?” To which I replied, “Honestly, I’m not really a big movie person. Couldn’t tell you the last time I sat down to watch one.” I knew Mike had a weekly movie column in the papers at the time — I did my research — but I wasn’t going to lie.
It’s no wonder I didn’t get the job.
Mike offered me a freelance writer position, citing the fact that I wouldn’t be able to start full-time for a few months until graduation as what stood in my way of being gainfully employed.
Two weeks later he called me. He said he had “made a horrible mistake.” The person he had hired was not working out — and he offered me a job upon graduation. They’d decided I was worth waiting for. I was ecstatic. I accepted.
Two days after graduation, I began my eight-year career with The Reminder.
I’ve had some seriously fun times working at this company. From MGM Springfield’s opening week — no week of work will ever be able to top the experience of private tours, donut walls, a performance by the Blue Man Group, passed champagne and hors d’oeuvres and ending the week in the lobby bar with fancy “Tequila Mockingbird” cocktails at 10:30 a.m.
To all the Six Flags new ride openings — especially the one where I convinced Mike that on his 65th birthday we should ride Superman. Spoiler: one of us was screaming the entire time.
To the annual Big E Media Taste event where the news team clamors at the opportunity to try out all the new foods of the year, with a cream puff (or two) to-go.
To the countless silly moments and conversations the news team has had over the years, the food tastings we’ve done just for fun, the bonding activities we’ve participated in together — axe throwing, bowling, newsroom jeopardy.
And — of course — the great work we’ve done, and the serious moments we’ve shared. Working on budgets, expanding, downsizing, learning new skills, writing hard-hitting stories — continually treating Western Massachusetts news with the utmost care.
It’s bittersweet.
Today I share with readers that after eight years of being a small part of bringing The Reminder’s hometown news to doorsteps, I am embarking on a wonderful new opportunity outside of journalism. My time with the company comes to a close at the end of January.
A couple years ago, Reminder management took a few-week training course. In one of the sessions, the instructor asked the room of about 30 managers — all from different companies — to say the first word that comes to their heads to describe how they feel about change. Out of everyone in the room, only two of us had a positive association with change. My word was “exciting.”
And I am excited. I look forward to a new challenge. Creating relationships with new coworkers. Having unique experiences. Gaining skills and learning about an industry that I have only ever written about. I’m sure my first few months at the new job will be akin to drinking through a firehose.
But today I feel melancholy. I’ve grown exponentially within these walls — not only professionally, but personally. When I started working here, I was a bit quiet, would get anxious right before every interview and I definitely was questioning if this field was right for me. Luckily, with time, experience and countless situations where I’ve pushed myself (and at times, was pushed) to put myself out there — I’ve learned to network well, and my anxieties are gone. This field was right for me all along.
I can confidently say that I’m walking out of The Reminder a different person than who I was when I came in.
And I’m so thankful for that.
I owe so much to this place.
When I became executive editor, I was overwhelmed by the kindness readers showed me, trusting me to bring your hometown news to life. Your support and kind words — especially when I’ve written about personal hardships — have been a steadfast reminder of the power of community.
To the leadership team at The Reminder and our sister company, The Republican, thank you for believing in my potential and investing in my future. To my amazing colleagues, thank you for the laughs, the teamwork and the incredible memories. It’s been an honor to work alongside such talented and passionate people.
Leaving is never easy, but I do so with immense gratitude. Rest assured — I’m not going far. You’ll still see me out and about in the community, just with a different focus. This is hardly a goodbye — it’s more of a “see you soon.”
