A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
I took my first step to becoming a Humboldtonian last week when I arrived in the city, welcomed by new faces and places, ready to begin training to take over the editor's position at the Humboldt Journal/East Central Trader.
With my car loaded up with boxes and belongings, I took to the road ahead.
As I navigated the ice-laid highway, straight west into Humboldt, the sun set on the life I left behind and shone on the one awaiting ahead.
Leaving the cocoon of comfort, to spread your wings and open yourself to change, is always somewhat intimidating but I've learned to fly in the times of change.
I had my first Saskatchewan experience in 2009 when I ventured out of the familiar fringes of my hometown of Barrie, Ontario, to pursue a reporter position in Lloydminster.
The flat prairie landscape was alluring and the rush of black gold was intriguing.
The "Border City" gave me my first taste of professional journalism and I've been hungry for more ever since.
After spending, or rather surviving, one bitterly cold Saskatchewan winter in the northern city, I decided to return home to Ontario, in search of a new adventure.
My answer to the call of home was not the least bit satisfying and after one year I decided to reconsider the prairie province which caught my attention and captivated my heart.
And so, when an opportunity arose in the small town of Grenfell, Sask., I decided to flutter my wings and fly once again.
Needless to say, the transition from city living to a small town atmosphere was challenging , but rewarding.
I lived and learned rural life. I became acquainted with the 10 a.m. post office rush; I became familiar with the dedicated people of coffee row and I grew appreciation for the work and perseverance of Saskatchewan farmers.
During my time spent in the "Big G," I listened to the stories of residents and helped circulate the news through town.
After living and working in Grenfell for about a year and a half, I set my sights on a bigger community and a larger newspaper. I was motivated to stay within the field of journalism as the fibers of the industry were rich and unique, much like this province and its people.
The opportunity to join the Humboldt Journal arose, and once again, I was ready to take off.
The move to a growing and thriving city is what I had been searching for.
A weekly community newspaper is where I knew I wanted to land.
The stories of the day or week may not be earth-shattering or ground-breaking to the entire world but they affect the people who matter most - the ones who live, work and play in the place that they call home.
Community news is more than print on paper; it's your neighbours, relatives, places of business and hubs of leisure.
A community paper isn't only read, but is written, by those who call the city home; headlines are about student achievements, business grand openings, council agendas and community celebrations.
I hope you all rediscover your city and the pride instilled within as I explore the community with new perspective and discover the essence of what makes the city home to thousands.
I'm eager to dig deep into the heart of Humboldt.
I look forward to meeting you all, and hope to hear your stories and pass them on.
