A new adventure in a familiar place

It is now official that I am the new lifestyles editor for The Dispatch. My name is on the dotted line, though the ink is still a little damp, but nevertheless I thought I’d take this time to introduce myself.

I would like to start by saying that I am no stranger to Columbus and the surrounding area.

I am a 2019 graduate of Mississippi University for Women, where I obtained a bachelor’s of science in communication.

Following my graduation, I went back home and took over as the managing editor/lead reporter for the Chickasaw Journal.

Now for those not familiar with the paper, as I suspect many are not, it was a small weekly paper that was nestled in the heart of Houston.

I was the latest, and sadly the last, in a long line of editors, as the paper shut its doors permanently at the end of July.

That is what brings me here.

With the impending closing of the paper, I set out to find gainful employment, and that search brought me right back to my home away from home.

I spent many days (and nights) around here while I was in school, going to class first and foremost, and then perhaps catching a movie or meeting friends at Zachary’s.

However, being a part of the communication program, which entails journalism as one of its many aspects, I became acquainted with numerous people and places throughout Columbus by interviewing them for my various reporting classes.

Now that I am back, I hope to meet even more of the fine people who live here, and see more of the beautiful places that the area has to offer.

As lifestyles editor, I aim to do what I love: highlighting people, places and things that are unique or have a story to tell.

I want to give people their time in the spotlight and get them the recognition they deserve.

This is where I need your help. If you know any people with cool stories, interesting places or things going on that you think are worthy of a feature, please don’t hesitate to reach out and let me know!

I am still getting my feet under me, so to speak, so any help is greatly appreciated, plus it allows me to highlight these people.

Because ultimately, that is what makes the areas we cover what they are … the people.

In my former position, I was responsible for all of the news and sports, so I did not get as much time to focus on feature writing, which I absolutely love, as I would have liked.

That is why I am so excited for this new opportunity. It will allow me to do a lot more feature writing and, not only that, but it will allow me to meet many people from the area that I may never have met otherwise.

So, I would just like to say that I am happy to be here, and if you see me out and about, don’t hesitate to say “Hi!”

Lifestyles Editor Robert Scott can be reached at rscott@cdispatch.com.