Leaving ANR stirs mixture of emotions

It’s going to be hard to put into words how I’m feeling as I approach the end of my last week as the Aurora News-Register’s news editor.
In truth, I am as sad as I am excited.
Aurora has taken me in, under its vast wings, and loved me like one of its own. Never once have I truly felt alone or left out, or unappreciated, during the past five years of my career here (bad apples excluded). And for that reason I am sad to be leaving. I’ve made so many friends and developed so many relationships that I’m not quite sure how I’m going to fill my days moving forward.
That being said, I am also beyond excited for the adventures that lay ahead of me.
On Monday, March 20, I will start a new career as the assistant editor of Nebraska Life Magazine. While I’ll be working remotely from home in Central City a good 80 percent of the time (come say hi!), the other portion of my job will consist of road trips across Nebraska to snag some awesome stories.
Not only will I still get to tell all about what makes Nebraska and Nebraskans great, but I’ll be able to experience the wonderful state as a tourist. Be on the lookout for some awesome content.
Though there is no way possible I can thank everyone who made an impact on my time here, I should probably thank a few. So, to:
Kurt and Paula -- thank you for caring about me as a person and helping me grow as a journalist. There is nowhere else I would have rather started my professional life.
ANR staff -- The best in the business! You have become my second family and I know we’ll see each other again. Have fun covering the fair, graduation, A’ROR’N Days and all other big events. (wink, wink)
Gabi -- You the real one.
The Aurora Huskies -- It takes a special group of people to entertain a reporter like me, what with constant bad jokes and occasional pestering, but you all did it with style. I’ve been welcomed in the district and its tradition of excellence, almost as if I don’t live in a rivaling town! Now, I’m talking to you, students -- you seriously rock! I get emotional watching some of my favorites graduate every year and you all deserve every ounce of good things coming your way.
Hamilton Co. staff and commissioners -- THANK YOU for always answering my questions, being transparent when it mattered and caring about the people around you.
City of Aurora/Chamber/Leadership Center/Edgerton/Plainsman -- When they say it takes a village, they’re talking about you. This place, Aurora, thrives because of you. You care about tradition, community, youth, history, leadership, engagement and more. There is a “way” in Aurora and I’ve been blessed to see it every day since May of 2018.
Emma -- Thank you for trusting me to help lead you toward a future in journalism. Kids like you give me faith that our industry will survive and continue to be operated the right way. Thank you for being you, cracking jokes, bringing way, way too much attitude, and never backing down from a challenge. You inspire me. Do big things.
I’ve never had to say goodbye before and even now it seems too formal and final. I won’t let myself forget about Aurora, Hamilton County, or the News-Register. I promise I’ll stick around and continue to bug you and make you smile as I always have -- just in a different way.
Keep me in mind.
I’ll see you around.