For the last couple of years many of the Valley Courier readers have been gracious enough to read and comment on my weekly column. This has become important to me for numerous reasons, but none more than the fact that you have watched and helped me grow.

I began my column as an inexperienced college freshman. I needed to gain experience; I needed a summer job - our newspaper gave both to me.

I did not intend on writing columns, however. Only reporting and learning the ways of the everyday newspaper reporter mattered to me.

Then there was Laurelin Kruse, a former, more talented understudy of mine from high school. She had been working in the newsroom and I became her understudy. She encouraged me to write a column, despite my opposition.

“No, no, no,” I think I said. “I have no place writing a column.”

At the time, this statement was true. I tried writing opinion pieces in high school, but they never amounted to anything. I had always been very opinionated, but I never understood how to form a good, persuasive opinion.

After I agreed to take on the tedious and ugly task, the readers and I had to suffer through some growing pains.

Some of my work has lacked in actual quality; some has been more artistic than newsworthy; and some has been more personal than broad. But, it all has been a wooden rollercoaster ride - sometimes I thought the hinges might break and others I trusted the foundation that it was built on.

Still, through it all I have grown in many ways. I have two more years of college education, two years of column writing, and two years of news and communication experience. I hope in that time my writing, structure, and opinions have improved noticeably.

One thing in life that all people should strive for is noticeable improvement. For as long as I can remember I have been arrogant in many areas. I have never been afraid to say or show that I am proud of myself. Sadly, arrogance is not always well received.

Arrogance, however, can be used beneficially - for self-improvement. Often we are taught to be humble, which is good. A little bit of humility never hurt anyone. However, I believe people should be proud of themselves and the things they do well. If we are not proud, then quality begins to suffer. If each person went through life without being proud of what they do or who they are, the quality of life for themselves and others inevitably suffers.

Each year during my high school track career Coach Butch Jones would give a speech. He would tell us “walk with a hop in your step. You’re a Mean Moose, one of the best. You should be proud of that, and when you are, you will see results.”

That made sense to me. If I wasn’t proud of myself and what I did, I would never succeed. It’s like love - no one else will love you if you don’t love yourself first.

So I am glad I was coerced into writing a column for the Valley Courier. It has helped me grow in many ways. It has taught me to be proud of my writing and opinions. It has helped me understand that a little pride and arrogance is a good thing. But, it has also humbled me at times. Together, though, humility and pride form character. Every person should find pride in themselves, but also find humility.