On March 9, I was in Spanish class in Spain trying to decide if I should splurge on gelato later or just buy my usual fruit from the local fruit stand (I chose gelato, by the way!). By Thursday morning I was on a plane headed home — due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

It was still early, and I could not understand why my semester abroad had to end so abruptly. I was living with a Spanish family teaching their children English and making friends from all over the world. It was an amazing experience, but little did I know God’s plan was not my plan, and I would no longer be staying until August.

After the initial shock of having to leave, I realized I was happy to go home. Once my two weeks of quarantine were over, I found a job almost immediately. I was extremely lucky to work at The Ivy Place, where I found a love for painting and was able to work with some of the best people I know. I also met many people from Vicksburg who I otherwise would have never come in contact with. After delivering flowers, I now know our town like the back of my hand, and it’s possible I have listened to every True Crime podcast there is.

One morning I was running downtown when I saw The Vicksburg Post’s new office, and I had an idea.

I still had a few more months at home, and I wanted to learn more about the magazine and newspaper industry. Reaching out to them led to an internship with several articles in the paper and one in an upcoming edition of Vicksburg Living.

I wanted a real workplace experience, and I got way more than I ever expected. I also realized that even in such a small town, big things are happening all over. I was very happy to be a part of sharing those achievements and getting to tell their stories.

Although I was born in Vicksburg and my entire family is from here, we only moved back when I was a junior in high school. I am familiar with the town, but never before have I been so fully immersed in Vicksburg.

There is a lot to be celebrated in this town, and although my semester abroad was cut short, I truly believe it was for the best.

 

Anna Kate Doiron is a graduate of St. Aloysius High School and is attending the University of Mississippi, majoring in Integrated Marketing and Communications.