I have only been a part of this industry for a few years, although growing up, there was not a day that went by where I did not see the local newspaper in my driveway or on my dining room table.

Picking it up as a young reader, I always read the headlines on the front page and then quickly turned the pages skipping over other news to land on the funnies or read my horoscope. A much-loved past time, I can still remember standing at the kitchen counter with a cup of coffee in hand at the age of 14 and looking forward to that morning tradition.

As time has evolved, and I ended up in the journalism field, I have seen many changes in the industry in the short season I have been fortunate to work in it.

Although I do not have as many stories of the “glory days” of print like some of those I have been fortunate enough to work with, I reluctantly have experienced the decline in the world and career I looked up to all those years ago.

Many changes have taken place and are still underway in the print industry, as many readers can attest to seeing regular staples eliminated and other items taking their place in their local newspaper. It is with a heavy heart that all of us, long-time seasoned veterans or newly starting out journalist, attempt to push forward and still bring you a product that we love and believe in.

I believe in the product we put out weekly. I strive to make it the best I can and hope readers see this when they take the time to pick up their local newspaper.

Although not always perfect, it is always a labor of love as not only myself but other journalists push forward daily to try and eliminate the stigma that surrounds our careers and industry.

Fighting to show our readers community journalism is not dead, and not all news is fake, we strive to put out a product the community hopefully will love, enjoy, need and want for many years to come.

With all the changes taking place at The Jessamine Journal, my hope is it falls on understanding hearts as we are challenged to succeed in producing a great product in these ever-changing times.

Those of us in the industry still pushing forward do so in order to bring you, “the news you can use,” and will never stop believing in the product we produce.

I have shaken hands and brushed shoulders with journalists who have told me newspapers are all they know, and I hope I am lucky enough to have just as long of a career in this industry, even with the changing times.

I thank you all for being readers and supporters of your local newspaper and hope to continue bringing you the best quality product we can here at The Jessamine Journal for many years to come.

Brittany Fuller is the community editor of The Jessamine Journal and Jessamine Life magazine. She can be reached at brittany.fuller@jessaminejournal.com.