My journey with The Evening Sun has come to an end, at least as a full-time reporter, but it has been such an honor and a blessing to be able to get to know this community over the past three years.

Having never worked in media before, I was nervous, ambitious, but most of all excited. I grew up in the Chenango County community, but I had no idea how complex and beautiful it was.

That being said, during my time I covered some of the worst things imaginable including murder trials, rape cases, and assaults. These horrific occurrences do not define this community, and will never extinguish the light cast by the good people of Chenango County.

Everyone has the power to make a difference; it doesn’t matter where you are in life or what you’re doing, and there are people here proving that every day.

I have seen countless examples of humanity at its finest in this county. I have been inspired by the community’s generosity and encouraged by its determination to thrive.

These qualities have been consistently highlighted by members of the nonprofit community.

I have worked with Improve Norwich Now, The Impact Project, Chenango United Way, Norwich BID, Helping Hands, and the City of Norwich Tree Commission to name a few good causes. I walked the city streets on a cold February night searching for the homeless as part of a point in time count. I’ve written about housing in this area, and the ongoing problem of vacancies along with absentee landlords.

I have met individuals of great stature and others who believe they are.

We are not without our adversities, but I thank God that we are not without so many great opportunities as well. Many of the people who truly care about this area I have come to call my friends, and I am constantly thankful and appreciative of their passion and dedication.

I hope the friends I’ve made along this journey will be with me for a lifetime, and it’s with a heavy heart that I must write this and say farewell to you all as I move into this new chapter of my life.

Thank you all for your incredible kindness, for helping me grow as an individual, and most of all to The Evening Sun for changing my life forever.