It's never easy to say goodbye.

Especially twice.

I was in my senior year, powering through capstone projects and presentations to acquire a bachelor's in communication arts from Lewis-Clark State College Coeur d'Alene, when I mustered up the courage to apply at the Coeur d'Alene Press in early 2013.

The time had arrived to see if the paper I read my whole life had space for an inexperienced student journalist with stars in her eyes.

I was interviewed by then-managing editor Mike Patrick and current managing editor Bill Buley. They wore ties and shiny shoes (and one had quite the shiny bald head). They were official journalists in an official newsroom at an official newspaper. It was a bit intimidating, but also very exciting.

I wasn't even sure The Press was hiring when I submitted my resume. At that time, my experience included several years in food service (shout out to Caruso's/Local Deli!) as well as working as a reporter and editor on Coeur d'Alene High School's Viking Voice student newspaper and North Idaho College's student paper, the Sentinel. The latter quite frankly motivated me to push through an excruciating math course and persevere through college so I could make my parents and grandparents proud when I finally graduated. (I may have taken a five-year gap year after high school).

Not even my Magic 8 Ball could have foretold the fulfilling career I would have as a reporter, and the Press family I would create and treasure over nearly 13 years. When I left to Kootenai Health for a short spell to explore a new career five years ago, I was grateful for the opportunity, but not quite ready to put down my reporter's notebook.

Now, I'm ready. I am moving on to a truly exceptional position as a resource development manager with United Way of North Idaho, a nonprofit with which I have had the privilege of working many times through the years. 

To my reporter kin, my journo sisters and bros, and my photogs, your work is appreciated more than you know. Keep chasing stories, keep informing, keep entertaining and keep fighting the good fight. We need great journalists now more than ever!

To my news desk and pagination pros, I salute you for your dedication, your eagle eyes, your patience (and completely warranted impatience!) and your willingness to work into the wee hours, even on holidays, so our readers enjoy a finished product every morning, even on Christmas Day. Thanks for saving this journalist's life so many times.

To my Angies in business and advertising, and all my friends throughout the company, I have loved working with you!

To the amazing community members who have let me into their homes to show me their collections, the nonprofits that have looped me into their circles (looking at you, 3Cs!), saved me seats on their side-by-sides for trail adventures, allowed me to cry with them as we pay tribute to a loved one gone too soon and to the proud parents who have trusted me to tell the world about their children's accomplishments, thank you. I have been humbled to be your reporter.

It has been a whirlwind of a journey, from climbing snowy mountains to cover a weekend assignment on the Fourth of July Pass to the joys of visiting local classrooms to share the wonderful things happening in our public schools. I will always treasure my time at The Press, the many lives I have encountered and the countless opportunities that have come my way. And the Ghastly Groaners will continue! Send them to Carolyn Bostick, [email protected].

About opportunities, and about that amazing community — I will be seeing you more! Thank you, United Way, for giving this ink-stained wretch a new purpose in life. My heart is for this community, and I cannot wait to share it with you and spread more love, kindness and goodwill throughout the region. Adventures await us!

Great things are yet to come, my friends. While it's hard to say goodbye, I am over the moon to say hello to a new world of opportunities.

Thank you for all the stories!

    Every newsroom needs a superhero like Glen Christmann. I love ya, G!
  

    Angie High, you're one of the hardest-working media strategists I know! I treasure our friendship.
  

    Halloween 2024 with my Press family. Yes, that is Devin Weeks and Bill Buley in the front as the Blues Brothers!
  

    Gotcha, Kerri Thoreson!
  

    Thank you Hauser Fire for letting me try on your gear during a training a few years ago!