“You’re going to another country by yourself?!” I heard my mom say in my ear. Months ago, I made the decision that I was going to embark on my first trip to Europe. After having Eiffel Tower posters on my wall as a college student and pasting an image of the Ritz Carlton London on my 2024 vision board, it was time.

Initially, I planned to go with one of my best friends. When we couldn’t get our schedules in line to book the trip together I decided I would go on my own. When I’d share with people that I was going on a solo trip to Europe their eyes would get wide. “Are you sure you want to do that?” “Aren’t you scared?”

The simple answer to that… nope.

When it came time to ease the nerves of family members about my plan, there was a point they could not argue with. For the last seven years I’ve lived on my own in four different states away from family. And you know what… I survived every move. For me, traveling to Europe would be no different than packing up all my things and moving to a new state. Anything that could happen to me abroad could also happen at home. (Spoiler alert: I made it back safely!)

Having this kind of confidence is owed to my career path. Climbing the ladder in news often means forcing yourself to start new in unknown places. And not only that, but putting yourself out there to build a life and have new experiences. In living state-to-state, I did not have my family or friends to depend on for comfortability. I had to come out of my shell and make bold moves (like eating alone at a restaurant or attending an event where I don’t know a single soul) in order to create the community I now have. The same goes for my solo travel experience. Just as I have in each state I’ve worked in, I also made new friends on this trip!

Had I not grown and developed the way I have by way of my career journey, I don’t think I would have been able to do it. However, my confidence grows with every move and I’ve discovered that I have no reason to fear.

Thankfully, things worked out where my friend was able to join me on the latter portion of the trip. But nothing was more liberating and freeing than to visit two dream cities on my on. If I can do that, I can do anything!

One afternoon while sitting at my desk, my co-worker leaned over to me and told me he had a secret to share. Once I made my commitment to keep my lips zipped he told me to look at his computer screen. It was an e-mail listing me as a winner of one of the esteemed Eric Sevareid Awards by the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association. While it didn’t specify where I placed, it was more than good enough to learn that my work was finally recognized by my colleagues and peers.

Yes, I’ve gotten a number of compliments on my news stories through the years. But It wasn’t until year five of my reporting career that I had a piece of hardware to show for it. I certainly don’t work in this field for the sake of accolades and acceptance of others outside of our viewers. However, when you once worked in a newsroom with no regard at all for your talent or worth it feels good to know that you are seen.

Eric Sevareid Award of Merit for my work as a multimedia journalist

Earning this award also taught me not to be too hard on myself. My co-worker who told me the exciting secret was also one who helps to choose which stories make it from the newsroom to the judges table. They saw my work fit enough to be shared. The stories I submitted, I wasn’t so sure about. After I chose them I certainly felt I could have picked better. Something more exciting, riveting and punchy. But I was wrong. It was stories from the heart that were more than enough to earn me an Award of Merit. No, it wasn’t first place and that’s okay. That time will come. Even when I get it (the EMMY I aspire for), it’ll never supersede my first award. The one that came from the heart and soul of a young journalist like myself with the mission above all to tie my community together by the telling of our stories.

In the video below you’ll find my story submissions: