Tag Michigan

Entries 2 Total

See you again | Goodbye to The Rapidian

Nov 1, ’11 4:14 PM

I’ve recently left The Rapidian as its first citizen journalism coordinator and only full-time employee. This was my goodbye editorial to The Rapidian community, crossposted from The Rapidian.

Dusk was setting in, and as I lifted my arms over my head in yoga class, I thought about all the ways to say goodbye. I didn’t have a clear idea of how, so mostly, I nestled into the sound of it.

To say that I worked with The Rapidian for two and a half years would be accurate but, more than that, I breathed it.

I made up my job title: citizen journalism coordinator. Vague, right? That was intentional, and as we grew, I’ve had my hands in everything, from partnerships and collaborations to editorial structure and web strategy to design and outreach. Whew. I was always spinning from the rush and sparkle of more opportunities than we had time to grasp.

After more than two years in a city where I’ve learned (and am still learning) what’s important, I am stepping down to pursue other opportunities. It’s tempting to stay where you are when you’re content, but that’s the best time to push onward and open up.

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One year: A GR-versary assessment

Aug 1, ’10 11:34 AM

One year ago today, I moved to Grand Rapids, MI. My body was six pounds lighter, my hair was a foot longer, and I had no cavities.

In one year’s time:

I’ve finished three books and started six. My subscription to Good Magazine has expired and I’ve replaced it with Wired Magazine. I’ve had my wallet stolen, my heart broken and worn high heels two times. I’ve seen my family twice and visited my best friend once.

I’ve ran a beer mile, swam half a mile everyday for a month, switched road tires for cyclocross tires and back again, attempted the April Bike Challenge with Chrisapapolis, and completed the June Vegan Challenge with Matters. I’ve developed a proclivity for monthly challenges and learned that weather cannot deter my impulse to move.

Since starting at The Rapidian, I’ve submitted 10 staff editorials, 24 dev blog entries, 28 stories for fun (Midtown and my own) and edited 14 Catalyst Radio shows. We won Best In Show at the WMPRSA PRoof Awards (all credit goes to Roberta F. King at GRCF). We lost a dear co-worker and weathered through another’s car accident. My video editing skills have rusted while I’ve learned how to produce for radio. I’ve been on four panels, DJ-ed twice on WYCE and initiated the process for a civic media food platform. I occasionally organize the Vegilantes and have joined two boards: Midtown Neighborhood Association and Western College Program Alumni Association.

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