Eight years later and I’m still learning


Kim Brooks
Babbling Brooks Column
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     Has it really been eight years??

     This week marks the end of eighth year, and the start of my ninth year here at the Monticello Express. And it does not seem at all possible!

     I’ve mentioned this to several people, but I count how long I’ve been working here based on how many Great Jones County Fairs I have covered. This summer was my seventh fair; I started working at the Express just after the fair ended in August 2009.

     Getting thrown into the whirlwind that is the GJCF that following summer was actually nothing new to me. Prior to coming to Monticello, I had covered the Delaware County and Dubuque County fairs for the Dyersville Commercial. I’m not saying that I was an expert by any means, but I knew about the various 4-H and FFA livestock shows at least.

     If I were to highlight all of the great things I’ve gotten to cover, the amazing people I’ve gotten to talk to, and the opportunities I’ve been a part of because of my job here at the Express, the list would be endless. But working at a hometown newspaper has definitely allowed me to feel like a part of this community.

     So much so that my community involvement these past eight years has been just as enjoyable. I’ve served on the Monticello Chamber Board, Library Board, Jones County Tourism Board, Ignite: Jones County Young Professionals. I’m sure there’s something I’m missing… Being involved in this community has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people, lifelong friends.

     It’s funny how at this age, age doesn’t mean a thing when it comes to friendships. Some of my good friends are old enough to be my mom/dad, grandfather/grandmother. Yet, we share a common interest in something that brought us together. And I admit, I learn a lot from an older generation.

     While this job has been an amazing experience, especially for someone right out of college at the time, I honestly have to say it’s the readers of the Express and those who have allowed me to tell their stories that have made all the difference.

     Without readers, without people willing to share their stories, without to many community events here, where would the newspaper be?

     And I have felt privileged these past eight years to get the opportunity to tell people’s stories; stories of tragedy, stories of triumph, stories that uplift our readers, stories that keep our readers interested and wanting to learn more about this great community. So thanks to those who have shared, and to those who will share their stories to come…

     You’re never done learning, and in my time here, I’ve covered enough city and county meetings to realize a few things about myself.

     People on all sides are passionate about their convictions, passionate about their community and its history. I’ve seen firsthand how that passion turns into something more, perhaps anger and frustration in not getting the desired result. That frustration is directed at our local governing officials: city council members, board of supervisors, even those who volunteer their time to sit on city and county boards and committees such as Parks and Rec or Jones County Conservation.

     So what I’ve learned is that getting angry and spouting off about this or that just because you disagree with that board does no one any good. Instead, be productive and try to be a part of making a change.

     To those who know me pretty well, or those who have befriended me on social media, you know my displeasure for our current president and his administration. And it’s not secret that I let my voice be heard on social media whenever something pops up on the national news that I disagree with.

     Well, I need to heed my own advice and turn my political frustrations into something positive. I may not agree with what our president does or stands for, but that doesn’t mean I should berate him or disrespect him. (Yes, sometimes one has to earn the right to be respected.) Instead, I can, and have, voiced my concerns with members of Congress. I can become proactive and led my voice to groups promoting peace rather than hatred. (And, I still use my mom as a metaphorical punching bag when it comes to spewing my frustrations with our national government.)

     So, you see, eight years here and there is still something to be learned every day.

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