There’s something about the Midwest.
I’ve crisscrossed the country chasing headlines – some incredibly heartbreaking while others left you grinning (sometimes, at my expense). After working in Nebraska and Connecticut, I had the opportunity to return to my home state: California.
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The much-needed move followed the height of the pandemic and I needed to feel grounded again...I needed family. I needed my friends. I missed my tribe.
For a few years, I savored every moment with the ones I loved. Even if I missed the celebration of milestones, I could always celebrate a day or two early or late with family and friends. Calls and cards are wonderful but there’s something about the gift of presence. As I treasured the moments, I quietly knew I needed something more, so I collected all those snapshots to store in my reservoir of memories.
I’ve gone coast to coast. Yet, there’s something about the Midwest.
I missed the small-town feel, something still seen in some of the region’s biggest cities.
I appreciated the attitude of just-telling-like-it-is. The values of family, community and hard work resonated with me.
In 2018, I visited Detroit during a work conference. The scene – nothing like what I expected. The city felt alive. The dining? Amazing. The attractions? Top-tier. The people? Down-to-earth. I remember thinking, This would be a cool place to live. During my trip, a very gracious Kimberly Gill gave me a station tour and spent some time with this young reporter.
When I started my career, I used to watch stations across the country (including Local 4) to see what the standard of journalism should be.
At the end of my visit at WDIV, I remembered asking someone to snap my picture in front of the station’s sign on Lafayette Boulevard. Six years later, I am now working for this well-respected station.
It’s an exciting time in the D. There’s so much history to unpack in this richly diverse yet complex area. But, I believe…the best is yet to come in Metro Detroit. I look forward to earning your trust and sharing your stories. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram and X.
