Chasing my dream of news writing meant embracing community journalism, which meant taking my own photos--usually on manual mode--and learning the intricacies of several fields just to explain them in layman's terms. These weren't hindrances of the job. These, along with the people, were my favorite parts.

I also "had to" post my own stories and photos to social media, a creative and strategic outlet that opened doors, both to become a newspaper's digital media editor and later, to a marketing career. 

Today, don't ask me which I love more: chatting with an industry professional who loves what they do, or sitting down to write about that conversation? Posting a snappy social media post, or a longer writeup? SEO keywords or Instagram reels? Event management, or event tabling? As I've rolled up my sleeves up to learn it all, it just led me to love it all even more.