By: Shayla Terry

People say that hard work and dedication are the keys to success. While these components are definitely at the foundation of success, another element is also necessary.

I can work endlessly toward my dreams, but without opportunity, very little change occurs.

Notable author H. Jackson Brown Jr. once said that, “Opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor.” In November 2015, I began my first dance with Crenshaw County by covering the McGhee family for Profile.

Although I am from Brundidge, Crenshaw County has been a notable location in my upbringing. Yet, I spent very little time here other than the occasion athletic event.

With The Luverne Journal’s 2016 Profile edition, I began to dance around Crenshaw County.

I have ridden through Dozier with former mayor Joe Rex Sport seeing his old family land.

I have lain in the Courthouse’s grass getting pictures of the Bricken Building. I saw a dog get its teeth cleaned at Dr. Gammage’s office. I’ve had sincere conversations with Dr. Walker about the circumstances of the day.

I’ve found that Commission Chairman Charlie Sankey, Jr. and Commissioner Merrill Sport have both played softball with my daddy.

I’ve found the Friendliest City of the South. Crenshaw County has been at the center of my journalistic growth since the day I showed up with my camera and recorder, and for that I am ever grateful.

When I met former Journal editor Mona Moore in September of 2015,

I recognized immediately there was an opportunity in Crenshaw County for me. Through the love of the county, the support of Greenville Newspapers, and the unwaivering guidance of my predecessor Beth Hyatt, I have arrived at the opportunity to lead The Luverne Journal as your new Editorial Coordinator.

As a journalist, I pride myself on neutrality, and the coverage of news based upon the elements of timeliness, impact, proximity, conflict, unusualness and prominence.

I would like to provide Crenshaw County the coverage it deserves, with both community-based news and breaking news. I look forward to getting to know more Crenshaw County residents. I look forward to meeting more students, and documenting their memories.

I want to be apart of as many happenings as you all would like to see in publication. When news arises, there is no one, qualified person that is allowed to call and give information. Every resident can call our office, relay news and request coverage.

When 2017 started, I knew I wanted to give back to the world some of the opportunities that have been afforded to me.

I am fortunate that my superiors felt the same way.