By Alison McFerrin

You know what they say. Time flies when you’re working a ten-week internship.

Okay, maybe they don’t say that, but it’s still true.

It seems like only yesterday I was meeting Selma Mayor George Evans for the first time. Only yesterday Phoenix Park opened its gates to the public. Only yesterday I was interviewing Ward 3 candidates for the initial special election.

But it wasn’t just yesterday, and Saturday will mark the end of my summer in Selma.

I’ve learned a lot while here — and not just about journalism and photography.

I’ve learned “historic places and social graces” is more than just a tag line. I’ve learned you don’t need a movie theatre, a bowling alley or a laser tag center to be entertained. I’ve learned it’s possible to survive in the 960 degree heat (I’m certain that number on the bank sign must have been showing the temperature divided by 10).

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here, but don’t think I’ve been wearing rose-colored glasses.

Even as a short-term visitor, I’ve seen the problems Selma faces. I know about the arson … the gangs … the drugs. I know those who love Selma are fighting poverty, lack of education and a negative stigma from the outside world.

But as I face the future, returning to school for my final year, I am mindful Selma is facing a future of its own — a future that doesn’t have to be determined by the past.

No one can make me believe that Selma is past its prime, or that it can’t return to its glory days. A positive impact is being made in Selma every day, and not by pity from people in other cities, or by input from higher-level government, but by people right here. By Selma’s own.

I hope, in some small way, I’ve been a part of that positive impact.

I want to thank everyone at the Times-Journal for giving me such a great opportunity — especially publisher Dennis Palmer and editor Tim Reeves. I couldn’t have found a better staff to encourage and teach me.

Saturday may be my last day interning at the Times-Journal, but it won’t be my last day in Selma. I’m not through rolling over that bridge to my first sight of the city. Don’t forget me, Selma. I sure won’t forget you.