By Megan Miller
Would you believe me if I said this is the most shocked and eager I’ve ever been at the same time?
From the first day of high school or even college, to every dance competition or recital I ever performed in, to the first time seeing my name in print, taking the leap into this position is definitely a fresh and exciting feeling for me.
I remember being told by friends, family, anyone who thought it appropriate to form an opinion about the direction of my life, that I was crazy to pursue a college degree in journalism. “News is a dying industry!” is what they’d offer, even though they knew nothing of the news world I had come to know and love. My own father (hi dad!) told me that if I wanted a journalism degree that was fine, but I needed to be prepared to go to trade school after I’d gotten my bachelor’s degree, so I could do something “practical.” But as the new managing editor of an incredible and thriving community newspaper, I’m making sure I’m getting the last laugh in this scenario.
I decided I wanted to be a journalist in high school. The trajectory of that decision was quite random, admittedly—I saw that the high school I was going to offered a journalism class and thought that sounded like a fun elective, and from that seemingly random choice my freshman year of high school, my career path clicked into place and I haven’t ever wavered in that decision.
I took a huge leap of faith applying for this position, telling myself from the moment I pressed send on that email that I couldn’t or wouldn’t get this job, that my age would likely rule me out on principle alone. But just like I took a chance pursing my degree in journalism, the folks at the Trussville Tribune took a chance on putting me in this position, a chance I’m thrilled they’ve taken.
I am elated to be here, getting back to my roots of editorial content production. The stress, pressure and thrill of breaking news is always exhilarating, but nothing compared to the excitement I feel when I get to tell stories. From stories of the young underdog on the tee ball team, to those pouring their hearts and souls into serving their community and beyond, I know in my heart of hearts those are the stories you, our readers, crave to read, and I intend to make it my mission to tell those for you. Thanks for having me, Trussville—I’m glad to be here!
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