When I turned 18 I thought I had life figured out. I was going to attend school in Atlanta and become a computer scientist who would program the next greatest mobile application or social networking site. After learning derivatives and the chain rule in calculus 1 for the third time at the University of Alabama, – I passed AP Calculus in high school and at Clark Atlanta University –I made the best decision of my life in switching majors. I never thought I would be a sports journalist working in Mississippi.

Grammar and writing well were hidden talents I never embraced until the dreadful day sitting in calculus. I’d written for my high school newspaper but never thought of it as a career option. But the decision to embrace those talents and skills worked out for me.

I started working at The Vicksburg Post 13 days after graduating college and my road to Vicksburg was a blessing.

I remember the day I got the call from managing editor Paul Barry to come interview at The Post. I was sitting in my apartment in Tuscaloosa, not doing anything, racking my brain about finding employment. I did not want to go back to North Carolina, Memphis or Montgomery and move back home with family. I have always been independent, tenacious and headstrong so I did not give up until I found a job.

The 601 area code looked unfamiliar and I had a feeling it could be the opportunity I was hoping for. I met with Paul on a Tuesday morning and discussed my job responsibilities, toured the city and went to lunch at The Biscuit Company. Everything about my interview in Vicksburg felt welcoming and embracing. Although it is the antithesis of the bigger cities of San Antonio and Atlanta I’m used to, something about Vicksburg feels like home.

Since May 14, I’ve had the opportunity to meet wonderful people from the healthcare sector, local government and athletics.

The sports of softball and baseball go hand-in-hand with Vicksburg. Covering the Challenger’s League was heartwarming and made me appreciate what I have in my life.

Meeting David Erwin, the first black umpire in the Women’s College World Series, and being able to tell his story was an incredible stepping-stone for my young career. We talked for about 30 minutes and I learned more about the relationship with the city and sport.

The most emotional story for me was writing about Afton Wallace during the Stamm Family Invitational. I had to be careful capturing her spirit and strength without having prior contact with her or her family, and I think I did well.

Seeing the community look as if it lost a true friend and daughter made me realize how close of a community Vicksburg is and the loving spirit of the residents. The city of Vicksburg continues to surprise me and I can’t wait to see what else it has in store.