By Emily Enfinger
Enfinger is a staff writer for the Times-Journal. She can be reached at emily.enfinger@selmatimesjournal.com.

The first time I set foot in Selma was back in March for the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, covering the event for The Auburn Plainsman, Auburn’s student media organization.

I’ll never forget it.

It was an early, four-hour-stuck-in-traffic-while-stuffed-in-a-car-with-three-other-journalists drive with the soft static of NPR playing in the background. By the time we parked it was hot outside – this is when I realized that wearing a blazer was a bad idea. It took us nearly an hour to get through White House security and to get a decent view from the media pit.

By the time we left I was redder than a cooked lobster. But the sunburns and the moderate to severe dehydration were worth the sacrifice; I am very fortunate to have been able to witness such a memorable event.

Never did I imagine that I would be moving to Selma just months later to begin my professional career.

Originally from Grand Bay, I attended Auburn University to continue a family tradition. Following the footsteps of my grandfather Enfinger, former United States Navy photographer, and Aunt Wanda, portrait and sports photographer for over 50 years, I pursued a career in photography.

During my time at Auburn, I worked at The Auburn Plainsman, working my way up from photographer to photo editor, and as freelance photographer at the Opelika-Auburn News.

I have been able to photograph artists such as Kesha, B.O.B., Nick Jonas and Nelly. I’ve traveled endless miles to cover events such as the 2015 Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida, and the Lutzenkirchen Field Dedication in Marietta, Georgia. Most importantly, I have been fortunate to have unique experiences such as being locked in a high school football stadium after covering a game with my friend and former co-worker, Maria Mcllwain, and climbing two fences to get out.

On Saturday, Dec. 12, I graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art with a concentration in photography. A few days later I began my first day of work at The Selma Times-Journal on Wednesday, Dec. 16.

To be completely honest, I was extremely nervous moving to Selma. The idea of having to start over in a strange new town was a bit overwhelming at times. However, I am very fortunate to have moved to a friendly and welcoming city and to join an encouraging and challenging team.

My passion for journalism began at The Auburn Plainsman and I couldn’t be any more thrilled to continue this passion at The Selma Times-Journal. I’m excited to see what adventures and experiences Selma has to offer.