When I first visited the Farmville area more than two years ago, it was to interview for a staff writer/photographer position for Farmville Newsmedia. I remember having some free time before the interview, and parking at the Barbara Rose Johns Farmville-Prince Edward Library in view of Wilck’s Lake.

Looking at the water, I remembered feeling a lot of things: nervous about the prospect of moving from my home in Fredericksburg and a sense of both uncertainty and excitement about the future.

I feel a lot of things leaving my position as a staff writer and photographer with The Dispatch as well. My last day is Friday.

I’ve gotten to know a lot of amazing people in the county and two towns. I have been able to witness and report on a lot of positive changes that have taken place by leaders and residents of Lunenburg County and the towns of Kenbridge and Victoria.

After my first day on April 17, 2017, I’ve received a lot of support and guidance from everyone at The Dispatch. Their understanding and support as I transition to a new career field has been wonderful as well.

I think my resounding emotion in typing this out is inadequacy. Words aren’t adequate to describe what the past two years have meant, what it’s meant to live in a community where I wasn’t born but have grown to care deeply about. A community where, every single day, there are people working to make the lives around them better. Where people are engaged to what is happening in their communities. They speak with their board of supervisors members and raise money for their loved ones who have lost homes in storms or fires.

Lunenburg County is filled with people who see needs, who see injustices and move to counter them.

To everyone who lives, works and serves to make their communities more just, more fulfilling, more inclusive, more fun, who seek to provide food, entertainment, job opportunities, education and health care for all people, keep doing this.

I leave a remarkable team of reporters, community leaders and coworkers who continually inspire me with their dedication, attention to detail and pure talent.

I plan to be in the area for the time being and am excited to follow the example that those in the Heart of Virginia have set, to use my time and abilities to help my neighbors.

Emily Hollingsworth is a staff reporter for The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch and Farmville Newsmedia LLC. Her email address is Emily.Hollingsworth@KVDispatch.com.