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Where do I even begin?
For those of you reading this, it may come as a surprise to hear, but my time as Managing Editor and Senior Reporter at the Colorado County Citizen and Sealy News has officially come to an end.
A wave of emotions flooded me as I typed out this very article; excitement for the potential my future holds, skepticism for the decision I am making, joy in the pursuit of happiness, fear of the unknown and the bittersweet realization of leaving one dream behind for another.
This has been a personal secret of mine that some of you may know, but as talented as a journalist I may be (hopefully you all agree), my biggest dream, ever since I can remember, has been to pursue a career as a singer, songwriter and musician. (P.S., if you want to find my music and listen to it, search up “Billboard Baba” on Google, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music; anywhere really).
With no kids, being 25 years young and dreams as big as my head, why not shoot for the stars? Life legitimately is too short; regret is a feeling that can entirely consume you, and rather than let it swallow me later down the road, I decided to give this opportunity my all. If it doesn’t work out, I can at least say I tried, right?
When I graduated from the University of Houston in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, never did I think at the time that I would enter the world of print journalism. Without a doubt this unexpected trajectory in my life has been the biggest blessing thus far, and if I could go back 1,000 times and redecide what path I would take after graduating, I’d choose this road every single time.
When I started my tenure ship at the Colorado County Citizen exactly one year ago to this date, it was off the bat of the hardest few months of my life. I had just been laid off months prior from the Sealy News, (yes, I was brought back), and my mother had experienced months long health complications resulting in a neardeath experience.
My heart was infatuated with journalism, nevertheless, having been a lover of writing ever since I could pick up a pencil. This past year has given me an immense sense of fulfillment; of purpose; that the work I was doing had a legitimate impact.
From covering murder trials to community events, state championships, feature stories about hot rods, lives lost, kid geniuses, local cuisine, history made throughout the county and more, I have truly loved every single second of my time here.
Immersing myself in the community, getting to know each and every one of you, has been one of my greatest honors in my 25 years of living thus far. The residents of Austin County and Colorado County have hearts as beautiful as the culture that thrives within it, and I’m truly blessed to have been a part of these communities, no matter how short our time together was.
I’d like to thank everyone I’ve met for accepting a big city stranger with open arms and treating me like one of your country own.
I’d like to thank Area Editor Jimmy Galvan for being my first mentor in the world of journalism, laying the foundations for my career and having my back no matter what; a tough guy with a heart of gold and a true father figure.
I’d like to also thank Granite Media Partners Executive Editor Thomas Edwards for having the utmost faith in me since day one and believing in my skillset, giving me the opportunity to become a managing editor only two years into my journalism career and giving me the courage to chase this very dream.
Last but not least, I’d like to thank a fellow Coog of mine and former colleague, Trenton Whiting, who if not for, I’d never been given the opportunity to enter the world of journalism at the Sealy News. He’s truly been a role model to me (literally followed in his footsteps when I became the CCC Managing Editor), a great friend and an amazing journalist himself (tune in to CrossRoads Today in Victoria to catch him live in action).
There are too many people to list and thank during my short time here but know that every moment and memory has a special place in my heart. I’m going to miss the smell of Magnolia Trees pulling into the Columbus office every day, my walks to Mesquite Mexican Grill for a quick lunch, and all the other little things that made my experience here absolutely wonderful.
My “successor” in a sense, Allison Drinnon, has just been hired on recently to take over my position and I couldn’t feel more secure in someone new coming in. She is truly gifted and passionate about all things journalism and will take it to the next level with her world class photography, make sure to make her feel as welcome as you all made me feel.
Au revoir everyone, hopefully the next time you see me is on T.V. walking on stage to collect my trophy at the Grammy Awards, it’ll mean that everything worked out just fine!
