When I first accepted my position as a staff reporter with The Herald, one of the responses I heard most often was “Are you sure you want to stay in Farmville?”

Until someone asked, I really hadn’t thought about why I wouldn’t want to stay in Farmville. Four years as a college student at Longwood University had not bored me of this place with history and quirks not unlike my hometown of Williamsburg.

Why not stay a while longer?

So, I have. I’ve since learned that “young professionals” seldom call this town home. I hope to see that change very soon, and I believe it already is changing. 

It’s been nearly a year since I first began working with The Herald as a freelance writer and photographer.

In that time, I have interviewed and photographed more inspiring individuals than I could have ever imagined. I’ve covered news for all three of Farmville Newsmedia’s newspapers and helped write and illustrate the first six editions of Farmville the Magazine.

In this last year, the citizens of Farmville and surrounding counties have more than proven to me that I’m sure I want to be in Farmville.

That being said, my role with Farmville Newsmedia will end this week as I have accepted a position — just a few buildings down — at the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts (LCVA).

The LCVA, like this newspaper, is dedicated to giving back to the community and improving the quality of life for those living in the Heart of Virginia.

It’s a place that instantly felt like home when I moved here nearly five years ago.

My new position, community engagement coordinator and public relations specialist, will give me opportunities to serve this community in different ways. I gladly accept the challenge.

However, most importantly, I express complete gratitude to the two companies and countless community members who have put their trust in me.

Though it can be hard to trust a new college graduate, I believe it’s well worth it.

Carson Reeher was a staff writer for The Farmville Herald and Farmville Newsmedia LLC.