Writer’s Block

Elyssa Parnell

How many steps do you think the average person walks in one day? Today we have handy tools such as the FitBit that can easily tell a person exactly how many steps they walked in one day.

Many sources say that at least 10,000 steps on average are needed from individuals to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. No matter how many steps you may walk in a given day, where you go with those steps is ultimately up to you and your choices.

I still remember the first steps that led me into The Newberry Observer on April 1, 2013. I had never been more nervous.

My whole life I had said I would be a writer of some capacity. So when the opportunity popped up to be a newspaper reporter I thought — what better way to start off on that promise? I walked into the office that I shared with Natalie Netzel at the time, feeling lost and overwhelmed.

This was really my first job. I had no clue what to expect.

As my footsteps led me outside the walls of my office I met many people from all over Newberry County — mayors, council members, residents, all of whom had a story to share. It became my job to share those stories.

Stories of events and fun times ahead, stories of sorrow when someone unexpectedly lost their life in an accident; stories when a group of young men won a World Series title and stories that were so powerful they almost knocked the breath out of me.

My first City Council meeting is also one that I will always remember. I tried to quietly step inside the door and find my seat. Just when I thought I was safe, I was greeted by the City Manager and Assistant City Manager, then by the Mayor and several councilmen.

The shy person I was at that time really didn’t have much to say, but I was thankful for those friendly and welcoming faces. It was ultimately my footsteps that led me into that meeting that are now leading me into the next chapter of my life.

Today is my last day as a reporter for The Newberry Observer. I have accepted a position with the City of Newberry that I’m very excited to begin on Monday. But although my footsteps are now leading me in another direction, I could not be prouder of the path I’ve walked throughout my journey with this newspaper.

Through this position I have met so many wonderful individuals I don’t think I ever would have known had it not been for my job title.

I have worked with wonderful people and under an incredible boss through whom I have learned so much.

When I look back at my writing from 2013 and compare it to today, I am proud of how far that I have come, not only in my style of writing, but in the depth I’m able to take a story and in some ways almost paint a picture of what someone may be saying.

I’m proud that I no longer feel intimidated to walk up to someone I do not know and ask them a question and carry on a conversation. Through this position I have gained a new sense of self, for which I will always be grateful.

As my footsteps will soon lead me through the doors of City Hall on Monday, I want to thank the incredible community that is Newberry County for sharing their stories with me, because it has made me a better person.

For the times I may have felt criticized or overwhelmed, I know that it was in those moments that I grew the most and have improved how I see the world. I won’t be far down the road from where I was before and I know I will see many of you, just in a different capacity.

To my successors, Andrew and Carson. I wish you both the best in working together and continuing to cover Newberry County to the best of your ability. I hope that you feel that your footsteps out into the county are changing you for the better as I feel mine have for me. I know you’ll both do a great job!

Elyssa Parnell is a staff writer for The Newberry Observer and can be reached at eparnell@civitasmedia.com. Views expressed in this column are those of the writer only and do not represent the newspaper’s opinion.