Has it been two years already?

Next Wednesday marks the two-year anniversary of my employment here at the Anaconda Leader. That being said, I’m going to take this opportunity for me to get a little up close and personal this week with our readers.

I was nervous to start this job. Not because of the writing element, but because I had to approach and actually talk to people. I’m capable of having a very outgoing personality, but the truth is that I generally struggle considerably in social situations. However, life is about growth and I knew that every minute out of my comfort zone was an opportunity to evolve.

But it was so much more than that. I was learning. I’d discovered stories of Anaconda and its history that left me with an insatiable desire to learn more. I discovered the history of passionate women like Alice Finnegan whose unrelenting fight for historic preservation was unparalleled. I learned the lineage of the Copper Village Museum and Art Center, of which incidentally my great-grandmother Florence Riddle Johnson was one of the founding members. I had no idea until I started this job.

But I really want to focus on Anaconda’s growth. Many new faces and businesses have claimed their stake in town in the past few years – in food and beverage service, hospitality, recreation, retail, health care sectors and more. Equally important though has been the implementation of organizations and programs like Communities That Care, the Anaconda Fireworks Committee, Smelter City Prevention and the Anaconda Ensemble Theater. One common thread that each of these programs have in common is that they were created by strong, brilliant, innovative women with loads of integrity, drive and devotion.

I must admit that, quite possibly, the favorite part of my job has been telling the incredible, heartwarming, heart wrenching, inspirational, and sometimes incomprehensible local feature stories. More often than not tears are shed during the interviews, because it’s almost impossible to not get overwhelmed by these remarkable people.

I can proudly say that now, two years later, I’m not afraid to get out into the community. In fact, I actually feel like I’ve carved a little niche out for myself. I hope that people feel comfortable trusting me with their stories, and if not, that’s okay, too. I don’t get offended if people don’t like or relate to my writing, but it’s great if they do. The truth is, it’s a job and I can’t be perfect every day. But I love it. With every beat of my heart. And I’m blessed every single day to have the privilege to serve you all. I also have the best editor in the world, so that doesn’t hurt.

So, for my two-year Anaconda Leader Reporter birthday I want to say thank you. I’m grateful to be a part of this community and report the news to the best of my ability and I’m honored to learn more about our precious community more and more every day.