What do I want to say to the world?

A man I once played music with said to me you better figure out what it is you want to say while people are listening, because they won’t always be.

I have thought about that statement many times. What do I want to say to the world?

After much careful consideration I have come to the conclusion I can’t possibly say everything I want to say in one column. But I have to start somewhere, so here it goes.

Since starting at the newspaper, I decided to relocate and become a part of the Poplar Bluff community. I was apprehensive, but nonetheless felt it was the right decision for me and my children. So far I think I made the right choice. I have voiced many times that I really take joy and pride in my position at the newspaper.

Working with the newspaper has not only connected me to wonderful people I would have otherwise never had the opportunity to meet, but it has also given me a platform to advocate for some of the things closest to my heart.

The Bread Shed article helped encourage the community to rally behind a much-needed organization and it will ultimately help feed area residents in need.

I was assigned an article on a couple that had recently wed in their 90s. Sadly, the bride passed away only a couple of weeks after the article ran, but I was touched to hear their story and happy it was published before her passing.

Grandma, as she was fondly referred to at the Broseley Senior Center, had many words of wisdom. She touched me with her concern for others and her ability to find value in everyone. She said she could always find the good in a person, even if there wasn’t much of it.

Something as simple as a photograph of kids doing their thing at the skate park makes them feel represented. They are happy and proud to be photographed. I am happy and proud to be the one behind the camera.

I was also inspired myself to get a mammogram after an interview with a young mother who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and I am documenting my experience to encourage others as her story did me.

It is my hope these positive articles, connections and experiences will have a ripple effect on the community.

My degree is not in journalism, but I have a tremendous passion for what I do and I feel that will continue to allow me to make an impact with the articles we address. There is plenty of negativity in the world, so I am happy to be able to take part in some of the good news in the local area.

I haven’t been a resident of Poplar Bluff even a full month yet, but it’s already starting to feel like home.

The community has accepted me with open arms. I am happy to be here and have the opportunity to continue to help raise awareness about issues that need to be addressed, interview local residents about their touching life stories, get sneak peeks into the new businesses in town and photograph all the things happening in and around the local area.

So if you see me out smiling with my camera in hand, it is because I genuinely love what I do and I am striving to be a part of this community in every way I can.

Misty DeJournett is a staff writer for the Daily American Republic. Contact her at mdejournett.dar@gmail.com.