My Thoughts on Leaving Missouri

I'm leaving Missouri on Saturday but it hasn't exactly sunk in yet. I've called this state home for the past three years, now I'm leaving. I'm moving back to Michigan to begin the next chapter of my career.

But lets get back to Missouri.... when I decided to come to the "Show-Me State" I had one thing to go off of. I'll warn you that this is a funny story yet bad stereotype. Anyways, when I was a kid I had a puzzle map of all 50 states. I distinctly remember Missouri because it was the state with a pig pictured on it. Little did I know I'd end up in the pig state and little did I know how much I'd come to love the pig state. From my time in Missouri I can tell you that there is a lot more to this state than pigs. Infact, I've never personally ran into a pig my entire time here but I have seen my fair share of cows.

I not only lived in Missouri but I reported here. My entire experience here has really been a learning process. I can say I've learned much about the state, its people and about myself. The great thing that I had the chance to experience firsthand is the midwest attitude. For the most part everyone is very friendly and easy to relate to. I say for the most part because I don't want to risk sounding like a millennial. (thanks Woelfel) I hope I was able to give something back through my reporting. I learned a lot covering severe weather, something there is no shortage of in Missouri. I also hope I was able to take the Michiganian in me and do some enterprising reporting about the auto industry.

Another place I will miss is KOMU. When I moved to Missouri and didn't know anyone the people at the station were some of the first to ask me what I was doing on a Friday night. I've made so many wonderful and lasting friends at the station. I'm thankful to all of them who took the time to help me along the way.

The Show-Me State has truly shown me a lot. I just wish I still had that map with the pig on it!