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As my internship with Greenville Newspapers Inc. comes to an end, I am reflecting on my time as a reporter with The Lowndes Signal and what I’ve been able to learn, from both the newsroom and the Lowndes County communities. 

As an intern reporter, I worked alongside the newsroom staff and covered Crenshaw, Butler and Lowndes counties, the communities I have grown to love. 

Starting out, I was incredibly nervous about how I would integrate into the communities residents have built. Not being from the area, or Alabama, I felt like I was jumping into the deep end with not a floatie in sight. 

However, as I continued to work and meet all readers through coverage of different events and people, I got to know you and the communities I was covering. 

I got to step outside of my comfort zone, especially with sports coverage. I am a fish in a desert when it comes to anything sports related, but I had newsroom staff to support me as well as welcoming community members to interview and learn from.

Additionally, I have developed a fondness for local coverage, and sharing the stories of small-town communities. There is so much life, history and culture here that I did not know about at first. 

Now, I can appreciate what you have in Lowndes County, and will definitely be coming back to enjoy more of the local events. 

I would like to thank everyone I have met and interviewed during my time here, and the readers who have supported the articles I have written. You all have made this job so much easier, and I am thankful that I have gotten to know you. 

Thank you also to Greenville Newspapers Inc. for the opportunity to complete my internship through The Lowndes Signal. An internship is a required part of my studies at Troy University, and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to complete it through Lowndes coverage.. 

Thank you, everyone, for giving me the space to learn, write and to be a part of the Lowndes County community.