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Almost 7 years ago, I moved to Bainbridge to begin my career as a reporter for The Post-Searchlight.

It was October 2013. I was a month away from turning 23 and eager to get started with any newspaper that would hire a fresh-out-of-college kid just looking for a shot. I drove down for my interview and was instantly charmed by the atmosphere and the people. After I was offered a job as a reporter, I didn’t take long to accept.

Since then I’ve covered everything good and bad in this community, from one extreme to the other. The crimes, the trials, the tragedies, you name it. Reporting on those is what made the goods—student success stories, new industries, folks giving back—that much more fulfilling.

Perhaps the lowest low and highest high of my career was covering the devastation and destruction left by Hurricane Michael in October 2018, followed by reporting on a historic Bainbridge football run that went all the way to a Class 5A State Championship, all in two-month span!

That’s just one of the countless memories in Bainbridge that I will always look back on fondly. I’ve developed relationships with so many wonderful people that will last a lifetime. This community has been my home, and it has taken good care of me.

But the time has come to turn the page.

Friday will be my last day at The Post-Searchlight. A new opportunity has come calling, one that I have pondered over for many years, and one that I am more excited than ever to finally pursue. This fall, I will be attending Mercer University School of Law.

It wasn’t an easy decision to come to. Making a career change doesn’t come without its struggles and difficulties. I am confident my experience working for this fine newspaper has helped prepare me for the rigors of law school, although I’m certain there will be plenty of surprises ahead.

I cannot thank this community enough for giving me the opportunity to tell your stories. You welcomed me with open arms and created an impression that I’ll hold on to dearly, forever.

Thank you again, best of luck to you all, and farewell!