There are many perks to this job. Probably one of the best is meeting people. Some I’ve met have been the absolute best people, and some may not have left the best impression. But still, it is great to get out and meet people.
Then there’s the flexibility of being able to go places. Of course, only in an extreme event do I travel outside the county for work, but traveling all around the county has been awesome. I’ve seen parts of this county that I most likely would have never seen, had it not been for this job. Trust me, there is still plenty more to see, and I hope to see it. While my t-shirt is about world traveling, the same theory holds true here, “I haven’t been everywhere, but it is on my list.”
Of course, I enjoy writing. I may not be the best at it, but I still try my best. The number of things I’ve learned researching for stories has been amazing. The National Moment of Remembrance Act that I wrote about in a story last week about Memorial Day, I wasn’t aware existed until I was doing some research on Memorial Day. In this edition, I learned a few more things about the invasion of Normandy from doing some research. I truly believe knowledge is power.
I love writing about happy things, miracles and highlighting special people and things around our county. There are hidden gems everywhere just waiting to be discovered. Yes, I love highlighting Columbia, Marion County and everyone here.
However, as much as I love this job, it doesn’t mean that I, or anyone in our office, always enjoy every story we write. We may love our jobs, but that doesn’t mean we love all of our assignments. As journalists, we have a responsibility to report the news, be it good or bad. As much as I would love to have all happy-go-lucky stories, I know that is not always possible. Trust me, last thing I ever wanted to do was publish one of my children’s names in the jail docket, but I have done it more than once. My prayer is that I won’t have to do it again because he is doing so good now. If you would, keep him in your prayers, too.
For example, I once had to do a story on a young man that I taught in Vacation Bible School who was arrested. It broke my heart, but I had to do it. When people are killed, I hate having to report those stories. While the deceased may have entered into the land of Glory, for those left behind, it hurts and I hurt for those families as well.
I have said it before, and I don’t mind saying it again. I’ve gotten in my vehicle and then, later at home just cried over the bad or sad events that I had to cover. We take these stories to heart all the way around. People may not understand that many of these stories stay with us, even years later. We are greatly affected by them in many ways, both good and bad.
An example of a good way for me is expanding my knowledge and desire for gardening. From covering the Yard of the Month, I have learned so much about plants that I am starting to be more active with them. This year hasn’t gone that well due to the lack of time. However, next year, I want to create a butterfly garden, add some trees and maybe even venture into growing herbs at home. I will gladly accept advice if anyone wants to offer words of wisdom.
There’s an old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Whoever came up with that never worked for a newspaper because words will either lift someone up or knock someone down, whether written and spoken.
Susan Amundson is
news/features editor of The Columbian-Progress. She may be reached at (601) 736-2611 or samundson@columbianprogress.com.
