2021.

When we thought we saw it all in 2020, this year said "hold my drink." Everything from an insurrection at the United States capitol, tornados, the Olympic games and everything in-between — this year took last year's rollercoaster and bumped it up a notch. Despite the challenges, I'm blessed to be able to tell important stories and continue to document slices of everday life throughout the year.

I started off 2021 with USA TODAY where I helped tell stories that illuminated the impact of the pandemic, policy and sport — with a few odds and ends mixed throughout.

We were able to show our audience what hospitals and caregivers were facing on the COVID-19's front lines. What our team saw was heartbreaking and included "more deaths than anyone should ever have to see." In addition, I was able to help create a photo-driven presentation of visual journalist Harrison Hill's gripping photographs.

We also told stories like that of Kendrick Harrison, who's been trying to bounce back alongside his family after being left homeless when the for-profit college he was attending unexpectedly closed. "This is the America I fought (for) and defended," Harrison told us. "That belief in our system, it cost me and my family our home." The story prompted responses from a wide range of organizations and officials, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

With a shift to the Tokyo Olympics, I was able to learn a ton about video production, image rights and acquisition, and photo editing all while working under tight deadlines. Our "10 to Watch" series profiled incredible Olympians like surfer Carissa Moore and wrestler Kyle Dake. As the games kicked off, I had the a blast talking about images and photo editing the games state-side along with Emily Johnson, Ninna Biondo, Sean Daughtery, and David Baratz.

Fast forward to September, I took the incredible opportunity to return a little closer with continue storytelling with St. Louis Public Radio as a multimedia reporter and staff photographer. Yes, I've had to explain — way too many times — that I make photographs for a radio station. But, we're so much more than that. A few of the things which drew me to STLPR was their willingness to experiment with new things to better serve our region — like launching STLPR en Español — and investing in a robust cross-platform product for our audience.

During the few months I've been here, the impact the team has on the region was apparent. I've been able to collaborate on projects like Corrine Ruff's investigation which explains how 30,000 St. Louis properties have racial covenants in their deeds and another story by Shahla Farzan and Rachel Lippman alongside APM Reports' Tom Scheck and Jennifer Lu, which promped a lawsuit against the city police department on their failure to release homicide records.

I've also been able to work on my own stories from joyous occasions like marching bands returning to compete at the Bands of America St. Louis Super Regional and how the Hispanic community has been brought together by the annual "Chorizo Bowl" for 75 years. To stories of resilience like the town of Defiance, Mo. rallying behind their neighbors after an EF-3 tornado struck, killing one and causing over $3 million in damages.

As journalists, we're able to share moments of celebration, perseverance and the beauty of everyday life. While this year provided so much personal and professional growth, I can't wait to see what kinds of adventures 2022 brings.

Thank you for sticking with me.