The time has come for me to say goodbye. In eight days I will be back in Iowa City, dressed in black and gold. I am eager to start my fifth semester as a journalism and political science student at the University of Iowa. More exciting, however, is my position at “The Daily Iowan,” the University of Iowa’s student newspaper. I can’t wait to learn all about the process of writing at a daily paper, and do more intensive writing about culture and the arts.
I know that any possible success that I have in journalism will be due in large part to my experience here at Southwest Newspapers, and particularly “Let’s Go!” My first experiences of writing for an audience and actual editing, took place here. Everyone at Southwest took care of me, and really treated me like part of the team. I will be in debt to this company, and all of its employees, for the rest of my life. I have not had one bad experience here, and I have learned some of the most important lessons of my life as a result of this internship. I never thought that I would be selected to get this internship, and it has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.
I’d like to take this opportunity to tell all of the people in the office in Shakopee how much I have enjoyed working with them. Like I said many moons ago, it isn’t like “The Office,” but at least it isn’t “Office Space.” I had a great time laughing with the Thea, Crystal and Kathy about all things “ThriftMart” and trying to understand popular culture through their eyes. They welcomed me into their section of the office and put me at ease when I was anxious. They were always so encouraging, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to write without their constant laughter and quips. Their optimism, even when writing obituaries, will always serve as an inspiration.
There have been so many wonderful people in this office that have made my time here fly by. From Tara and Traci stopping by my cubicle just to say hi and chat, to the quick wit of the one and only Lisa Steinbauer, and the wisdom of Laurie Hartmann, Laurie Hartmann (some of you will get that joke, I hope) I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with and learn from. I was always excited to come to work, and all of you in the Shakopee office are the reason why.
As grateful as I am to the entire team at Southwest, no person has been there for me more than Melissa Gilman. She has put up with my writer’s block, my frustrations, my confusion, and my oddly dry and inappropriate (and not particularly funny) sense of humor. She has been completely encouraging and selfless in dealing with me, and I have grown as a person because of her. Any growth as a writer that I have experienced is due in large part to her and her influence. She is the best mentor that a young writer could ask for. I am so proud of her for getting in to Hamline!
Most importantly, I would like to thank the readers. There are no reporters, no newspaper staff, without readers. Thank you to my friends who read this blog and understand why I haven’t been as available to you this summer (and thanks to those of you who have been supportive and haven’t been demanding). Finally, nothing that happened for me this summer would have been possible without my family. Your concern, your love and you encouragement have taken me this far and I thank God every day for you all. Thanks for letting me borrow the car, thanks for letting me keep my room a pig sty, and thanks for accepting me.
It hasn’t been decided if the blog will continue from Iowa, but either way, this is the end of a phase in my life, and hopefully a transition into something else. I thank everyone who was kind enough to let me live my dream.