With temperatures rising and days getting longer, it’s evident that the scorching summer heat is creeping up in the South. And with the summer months approaching, I’m reminded of where I was this time last year.

Still a student at Auburn University, I was interning with a magazine in Columbus, Ga. My days consisted of driving 45 minutes each morning and afternoon and crossing the Alabama-Georgia state line. Still unsure of where I was going after graduation, my future was a huge, scary question mark.

Thankfully, I received an email in June from Tim Reeves asking if I would be interested in interviewing for a job in Selma. An eager soon-to-be graduate, I pounced on the opportunity. I was terrified of falling into that “unemployed college graduate” category.

Well, it’s no secret that I fell in love with Selma and decided to settle down here as that interview was almost a year ago. Looking back, I never would have imagined all the great stories I would have the privilege of hearing in less than one year. Aside from the mundane (but still important) ribbon cuttings and council meetings I’ve covered while at the Times-Journal, I’ve been able to sit down with some interesting individuals and listen to stories I would have never heard otherwise.

There is something so riveting about spending time with an 89-year-old lady, a cotton farmer, someone who practices sustainable living or a man who creates art out of pasta noodles that truly makes me pause and say “wow — I have an awesome job.”

While in college, my professors used to preach “there’s no normal day for a journalist.” And now, nearly a year later, I can say with certainty that they were right. I always keep a pair of sturdy shoes and an umbrella in the backseat of my car because I never know what new adventures I will embark on.

While some days in Selma can be scary (I’ve unfortunately had to cover several crime scenes, house fires and one attempted suicide), other days are nothing but joy and sunshine. Last week, for example, I had the opportunity to cover several area high school graduations. As I watched countless young faces brighten with smiles as they received their diplomas, I couldn’t help but also smile myself. Although all these great stories and people get printed daily — their shelf life only lasting one day — I know they will stay with me for more than just one day. I’ll remember them forever. More importantly, I know I’ll remember Selma forever.

I can’t wait to see where this amazing career field decides to take me next. From past experiences, I’m confident my future holds a lot of adventures. Luckily, I have a pair of rain boots in my trunk.