I am already stained

Fitzgerald once said, “You don’t write because you want to say something, you write because you have something to say.” If you know me at all, even after five minutes, you’ll know I have something to say about the majority of everything and usually have no problem coming right out and saying what’s on my mind.

Since I was in the sixth grade, I knew I wanted to write. At first I thought I wanted to share my love of writing with students—as in I would be an English teacher somewhere in South Carolina. But then after actually doing some student teaching, I soon found teaching was not for me. It was while in high school in Clinton, and college at the University of South Carolina Upstate, I knew meeting new people and writing for a newspaper was what I needed to do with my life.

Unfortunately my dream job never came around until I met Joyce Searson at Bamberg’s Firework Festival this past July. I was speaking with my mother, Pamela Biering, when she pointed out the publisher for The Advertizer-Herald, Joyce Searson, and said, “Mal, you should ask her for a job.” I laughed, but then much to my surprise Searson asked to take our picture. After the photo was snapped Momma immediately seized the opportunity to brag about my writing and courage to talk to anyone about anything. It was a bit embarrassing; however, what she did is the reason why I am here.

Two weeks later Searson asked me to start writing stories for the paper. Seeing my article about the Old Friends Golf Tournament on the front page was sensational. A week later Searson offered me a full time position as an advertising representative and reporter. She told me to think about it. However, all I could think about was shooting out of the chair with joy and wondering when I should tell my other employer I would be leaving my position.

Walking into the office on my first day, I knew without a doubt this is where I was supposed to be. My fingers stained with the ink from the newspaper, the rush of a deadline, and the thrill when someone purchases an ad— this is what I was born to do. Last week was nothing short of a dream come true. My Facebook page is littered with photos of my press badge, and my status updates are full of the enthusiasm I have about joining this team. Selling ads, meeting new people, and learning that I have so much more to learn about this business sends an electric thrill to my core.

I’m one of the luckiest young women in the world. I am able to help our community advertise their businesses, and write stories that inform and encourage the citizens of this county. I go home smelling like newspapers, but I smile knowing tomorrow I get to do what I love—work at The Advertizer-Herald.