As is often part of our area’s first impressions, it’s a small town.

Exploring the different layers of government, law, crime, politics, education and the countless other strata that complete our local communities has been the one of the most unique opportunities I’ve ever had.

If you haven’t heard, I’m leaving The Evening Sun at the end of May.

As a reporter I’d compare the role to a jack of all trades, master of none. There’s no hope for one to understand the law as well as a lawyer or education as a district superintendent. Though you can’t compare your experience on a topic to a career dedicated and trained official, you are expected to grasp a basic comprehension. Your aim is to capture the priorities and encompass the general. The goal is to explain an issue in about 400 words or so to the average reader so they can be intelligently informed.

The small town aspect of my job has allowed me to frequently travel between these separate layers and due to their tightly knit scope, I’ve also had the equally valuable opportunity of seeing the connections between them.

It’s been incredible being able to call and speak with the county district attorney, the sheriff, or town supervisor and a number of other high ranking officials in one day. If it wasn’t for our area’s small town atmosphere, I wouldn’t have had such access. A more populated metropolitan area would most certainly limit an ability to accurately perceive so many different organizations and officials, due to the sheer number of them required. Their access is also certain to whirl around a much more controlled space with spokespeople and press relations specialists handling most arrangements. It’s not like that here, at least not as much. There has been enough opportunity for me to develop personal-professional relationships with many.