The First Three Months

It's been three months since I started working at the Rocky Mount Telegram in Rocky Mount, NC. To put it lightly, the community and way of living here came as a shock at first. In Eastern North Carolina, cities are commonly drug-heavy, gang infested and there is a high percentage of racial violence. Having grown up in a tiny village in central Ohio, this was a bit different for me. But I think I've adjusted well.

I enjoy my job, my coworkers are friendly and I get along really well with everyone. The nature of my job keeps me mostly glued to "soft" news and feature assignments as well as sports. I guess that's the name of the game for small papers with a circulation under 20,000. I work hard and I'm focusing on improving my sports skills. I'm currently making a list of project ideas to pursue soon. I haven't shot much that I'm completely in love with, but the point of this blog is to keep myself accountable. To keep growing by sharing even the more mundane things I do for work. So here is a taste of what I've been up to during my first three months in Rocky Mount. Enjoy and your feedback is always appreciated.

Father Meares, right, helps Noelle Scheuer, 4, dressed as the Virgin Mary, down the stairs from mass and thanks her for dressing up for the All Saints Day celebration Friday November 1st at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Rocky Mount, NC.

The sun illuminates an American flag displayed on a raised firetruck ladder Thursday August 8, 2013 at Rocky Mount Sports Complex.

Rocky Mount High School's DJ Perry, left, pushes ahead of Nash Central High School's Andre Diggs during a local cross country meet Wednesday September 18, 2013 at Nash Central High School in Rocky Mount, NC.

Marlee Holloman, 7, right, reassures her little brother Eli Proctor, 3, middle, that he doesn't need to be afraid of Senior Firefighter John Barnhill during the Rocky Mount Fire Department's Fire Prevention Awareness program Tuesday September 15, 2013 at Braswell Memorial Library in Rocky Mount, NC.

Dana Reynolds kisses Chase, a Clydesdale horse, on the nose while her husband Chad scratches his neck Sunday September 15, 2013 at Roma's Clydesdale Farm in Castalia, NC. The Reynolds' are both veterans and members of the Wounded Warriors project. Dana suffers from Degenerative Disc Disease, a back condition she obtained during her time in the Army.

North Carolina Wesleyan College defensive back A.J. Silver, right, tackles Greensboro College wide receiver Justin Dukes before he can catch a pass during their game Saturday September 19, 2013 at Rocky Mount Sports Complex in Rocky Mount, NC. 

Boys & Girls Club members laugh and cheer during a carnival game at the Fall Fest Wednesday October 30, 2013 at the Booker T. Washington Community Center baseball fields.

Southern Nash High School's Moises Gonzalez, right, and Wilson Fike High School's Dylan Thomas fight for the ball during their match Tuesday September 22, 2013 at Southern Nash High School in Bailey, NC.

Retired Navy Storekeeper Third Class Jim Woodall, 72, who served from 1961-1964 in Vietnam bows his head in prayer Monday during the Veteran's Day Celebration Monday November 11, 2013 at the Veterans Memorial at Jack Laughery Park in Rocky Mount, NC. 

A fumbled ball flies from the hands of North Carolina Wesleyan College running back Jacques Alston during their game against Greensboro College Saturday September 14, 2013 at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex in Rocky Mount, NC.

Johnny O'Briant, 5, left, sheds a tear while saying goodbye to his beloved pug MoMo and his father John Allen Kermon, right, after having MoMo blessed by Father Meares at the pet blessing Friday September 4, 2013 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Rocky Mount, NC.

Clouds of steam rise from the pack of runners into the chilly air during the first hill of the Monster Dash 5k run the morning of Saturday October 26, 2013 in Nashville, NC.

Boys & Girls Club member Willow Smith, 7, laughs and cheers on her friends during a ring toss game at the Fall Fest Wednesday October 30, 2013 at the Booker T. Washington Community Center baseball fields in Rocky Mount, NC.