Youmans
My last day at the Democrat came and went on April 28, after serving eight months as editor, in the newsroom that was my second home for four years.
It feels surreal to say, though I knew this day would come, but sometimes it’s difficult to anticipate just how quickly life can change.
In fact, you can’t anticipate how quickly life will change at all; you’ve just got to lean into the unknowns.
In the year 2018, many weeks of weighing pros and cons and middle-of-the-night monologues led to me ultimately deciding that I would switch my selected college major — for the third time.
After a meeting with my advisor for fall classes, I realized I had no clue what I was doing. I was starting my third year studying elementary education, and had just been formally accepted into the Division of Education. But that wasn’t what I wanted to do.
All the years leading up to that point, I thought that I loved to teach, thought that was what I was meant to do with my life.
After taking one literature class required for my education major, I knew that I didn’t love to teach; I loved to learn.
Now I was faced with a decision: Do I stay in a field I am not passionate about, but could find a job? Or do I switch to English, not really sure what opportunities would await me beyond graduation?
So I made my decision, choosing to pursue something that I thought would make me happy, even if there were more unknowns that followed. I trusted the process.
The process led me through great coursework, research and presentation opportunities, and finally to the Brown County Democrat newsroom the following summer.
As it turns out, learning is one of the more significant elements of journalism.
A reporter is constantly learning about everything from government functions to the stories of unique individuals.
I had found my place.
At the Democrat, I’ve learned so much about what makes the Brown County community a unique place, and have connected with many who add to that vibrant landscape.
I’ve been able to spend time with Brown Countians of all backgrounds in their living rooms, at their businesses, graduations, and at many, many government meetings.
I’ve continually learned the importance community engagement, and have become even more passionate about voting — this coming from the girl who gave a persuasive speech about the civil right in the eighth grade.
I’ve learned the value of listening more than speaking, and to hear every side to a story, no matter what.
Life at the Democrat has been fun, and it’s no small feat to get the paper to newsstands.
There’s a weekly thrill as interviews take place, photo ops are arranged, and adjustments are made as the news shifts throughout the week.
The newspaper is like a living breathing thing, filled to the brim with the character of those who contribute to it — both in its creators and subjects.
I have been shaped by the newsroom in countless ways, and by nearly every person with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working.
I’m not the same person that walked into the newsroom four years ago. And I am thankful for that.
About nine months ago, I found myself weighing pros and cons when a new job opportunity was presented to me at the Democrat, as editor Suzannah Couch exited the position.
It was two weeks of back and forth and convincing myself that I didn’t want to be editor, and didn’t have enough experience.
After initially saying, “No,” I then shifted to asking myself what the future would look like if I said, “Yes.”
While saying “Yes” had countless unknowns, it also contained a great amount of reward and an experience that I will never forget.
Community members would share timely encouragement and kindness that meant the entire world, and will stick with me forever.
About two months ago, just eight short months after taking over, a new opportunity presented itself and I had even more pros and cons to weigh.
Sometimes the hardest decisions to make are those that are perfectly balanced, with no good or bad, right or wrong answer.
After a few weeks of thinking, deliberating and praying, I made the choice to embark on a new adventure, and will be joining Designscape Horticultural Services as customer service and sales assistant manager.
I’ll still write on the side (and some for my new job too), but it’s time to learn something new. After all — I do love to learn.
For now, the newsroom is in good hands with Larry Hanson remaining as advertising director, Corbin Parmer as reporter, Bella Hobbs as the news and advertising coordinator. They joined the newsroom in the middle of a wild election season and have grown and done well with everything that has come their way since then.
One thing I ask is that you be patient as this transition takes place. Tim Timmons, a former sports editor, editor, publisher and owner will step in as my interim replacement to assist the newsroom while the search continues for a permanent replacement.
Despite changing jobs, I won’t be going anywhere. I am invested in this community — I was born and raised here, and my husband and I have built a life here of our own.
Being invested, I also plan to be engaged in the happenings in these hills o’ Brown. I’ll be involved in elections, local arts and entertainment — my list is pretty extensive, but I’ll narrow it down.
Until then, if we run into each other at the IGA, while out to dinner at Rafters or Brown County Inn, a show at the Brown County Playhouse, or even a commissioner or town council meeting, one thing is certain — we’ll be seeing each other soon.
Abigail Youmans is the former editor of the Brown County Democrat. Send comments to [email protected] or 812-988-2221.
Abigail Youmans is the former editor of the Brown County Democrat. Send comments to [email protected] or 812-988-2221.
