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I moved to Bainbridge when I was 21-years-old. I had just graduated from the University of Alabama and accepted my first job as a reporter at The Post- Searchlight. I never imagined what would come of the job, and truthfully I wasn’t sure how long I would be here.

Fast forward five years later, having written over 1,000 news stories and countless magazine stories, I have decided to accept a job as the Managing Editor at The Thomasville Times-Enterprise.

This was not an easy decision, as I have truly grown to love Bainbridge and my co-workers at The Post-Searchlight. I think back to my early days at this job and cannot believe all the amazing opportunities that have been afforded to me.

I have met countless amazing people, ranging from our governor, Brian Kemp to friends that make you feel like you’re family.

I remember my first year here; I didn’t have many friends, but Celia Hall and Alyson Whitaker were throwing a pumpkin-carving party, and invited me to meet some people. I went, although I had to slip out early due to the Homecoming football game, but was so thankful that someone included me to be a part of their festivities.

I remember later making my first friend, Kreason Turner, while she was giving me a spray tan. She later introduced me to Mary Mercer Reynolds, Taylor Thomas and my former roommate, Bailey Johnson.

The times I had with them will forever be in my memory. I could write a whole book on our trips to Athens, Tallahassee, New Orleans and Mexico Beach.

While my friends kept me easily entertained, work also constantly had me covering something interesting. I would be remissed if I didn’t thank everyone for allowing me to grow and blossom right before your eyes.

I know I made some mistakes along the way, some fumbles in the words of Coach Littleton, but I learned so much about sports, crime, government, ethics and more importantly myself and my passions.

My greatest pleasure has been crafting Bainbridge Living Magazine, and I thank everyone who gave me the chance to take the magazine and turn it into the vision I had for it. I know change is never easy, and I am very nervous about the changes that lie ahead of me, but I have to believe it is all a part of God’s timing.

My last day at The Post- Searchlight will be August 19, 2022.

I have full intentions of going to one final opener at Centennial Field to cheer on my team, the Bearcats.

Dana Bryant reminded me recently that despite my new position, once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat.

I thanked her for that reminder, and I want to thank you now for welcoming me with open arms the last five years. You’ll see me again soon, someone has to cover those BHS vs. TCC games.