The first time I drove to Farmville, it was for an interview with Farmville Newsmedia.

I had friends who went to Longwood University, and was excited about potentially starting a writing job at The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch, which reported stories with a similar community focus and heart to my job at The Free Lance-Star, in Fredericksburg.

I was initially nervous when making the drive, but as I progressed, something about the expanse of fields on either side made me feel simultaneously soothed and energetic.

I got to downtown Farmville a little early, so I parked a mile or so away at the Barbara Rose Johns Farmville-Prince Edward Community Library.

Eating lunch and looking out into the water and trail across the street, it felt like this was an area where stories had been created. More excitingly, it felt like a place where stories were continuing to be created.

When I was offered the job, I found that to be true, more so than I could have imagined.

Each person that I have spoken with in Lunenburg County has been incredibly kind and helpful.

Moving to a new place can be a huge adjustment, but both The Dispatch staff and the communities of Lunenburg, Kenbridge and Victoria have always been respectful, helpful and kind, which certainly has not gone forgotten or unappreciated.

The opportunities that Lunenburg presents for its students, working in an enormous greenhouse at Central High School, and seeing the finishing touches on Victoria’s Streetscape project is also a testament to the collaborative and generous nature of the area.

I’m excited to work with The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch. I’m both excited and expectant of the stories that are happening and the amazing people who make it possible.

Emily Hollingsworth is a staff reporter for The K-V Dispatch. Her email address is Emily.Hollingsworth@KVDispatch.com.