Over the last three years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing stories about what makes Tucson so special. To say that it’s been one of the biggest honors of my life is an understatement.
As #ThisIsTucson’s features reporter, I’ve centered my reporting around one thing near and dear to my heart: community.
By focusing on community, I’ve been able to share stories of new beginnings, lasting legacies, overcoming obstacles and honestly, just plain fun and joy.
Now as I’m departing from my #ThisIsTucson post, I’m excited to continue bringing community-focused reporting to Tucson through a new lens — the sports lens, to be exact — with my new role as Community Sports Editor at #ThisIsTucson’s much-older sister, the Arizona Daily Star.
Pictured is the #ThisIsTucson team. From left: food reporter Jamie Donnelly, editor Gloria Knott, features reporter Elvia Verdugo.
While the decision to leave my #ThisIsTucson team was challenging, I will always cherish my time here and the memories I’ve made throughout the last three years. More importantly, the stories you all have shared with me are something that I will carry with me forever.
I may have played a little part in your stories, but you all have played a significant role in mine. To those of you who gave me even a second of your time and vulnerably shared your stories with me, thank you.
I hope the stories I’ve written have shown you how special Tucson and its diverse community is. Even if you just read one story and thought to yourself, “Wow, that’s pretty cool,” I consider that a win in my book.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, no matter what topic I covered, it’s that Tucson wouldn’t be the same without its people. Its community. For example...
Tucson is a community of book-loving “gnomes” hiding free books around the city to spread the love of reading.
Tucson is a retired grandpa who builds a roller coaster in his backyard for his grandkids just because he loves them.
Tucson is a group of bad-ass female skateboarders breaking boundaries and bringing inclusivity to local streets.
Tucson is a lineup of local storytellers sharing personal anecdotes that make listeners laugh and cry.
Tucson is a duo from a local neighborhood association creating a walkable art gallery in their alley.
Tucson is a community of 100+ makers bringing the cutest items to the Tucson Together Market.
These are just a few of the pockets of community that make Tucson, well, Tucson — the place I grew up, the place I went to college, the place I made lifelong friends, the place I fell in love, the place I got my first real journalism gig. The place I love. The place I call home.
When I first told #ThisIsTucson editor Gloria about my departure, I told her I felt like I was leaving my home. This place and this community are all I’ve ever known in my time as a professional journalist.
She replied with something I’ll never forget — I wasn’t leaving my home, I was simply moving to another room.
Then it hit me. #ThisIsTucson will always be home.
And, who knows, I may come to visit from time to time. 😉❤️
Elvia Verdugo, Gloria Knott and Jamie Donnelly of #ThisIsTucson.
