Telling stories has been my favorite thing for longer than I can remember.

It started with hearing my dad read me stories at bedtime and as I grew, I wanted to be in his shoes. Telling those stories. 

As I went through my life, the stories I wanted to tell changed. Fantasy, sci-fi, murder mysteries. Until I hit high school. 

Then I started wondering about telling other people’s stories and that’s when it clicked. That’s what I want to do. 

The Kentucky Kernel allowed me a chance to explore just exactly how I want to do that and I couldn’t be more grateful as a result. 

Hours spent staring at an AP Style Guide, wondering why things work the way they do. Confusion about why my editor wanted me to make that change. Each one a piece of my time in the newsroom that helped me on my journey. 

The Kernel made me a better writer, a better editor and just overall helped me improve myself and the vision I have for my future. 

I can not thank the wonderful people in that newsroom enough for inspiring me day in and day out. 

This chapter of my life draws to a close today and I can say that without a doubt, the Kentucky Kernel was one of the highlights. 

All my love to the future and current members of the Kernel, may you shine bright on whatever path you take.