By Ciera Graham / Herald columnist
When I started to write my first column for The Herald, I felt incredibly honored to utilize my talents more locally in a county that has afforded me so many opportunities both personally and professionally.
I came here six years ago as a Snohomish County newbie, and felt incredibly disconnected and alone. I was just starting out in a new position at WSU Everett, living in an apartment in downtown Everett, and I of course didn’t have the connections to friends and colleagues that I do now.
While writing has always came easy to me, I never envisioned pursuing my passion as a freelance writer. My column at The Herald was more than just another writing job; it was an opportunity to share stories and testimonies that were near and dear to my heart. And my first time telling many of these stories was through my Herald columns.
It provided me a platform to be honest and transparent about issues ranging from my experiences as a Black woman, as well as my challenges with mental health and anxiety. During a year where so many of us have been physically isolated from one another, I know that writing has been therapeutic, and it has allowed me to connect with all of you, even if we have never met before.
I want to thank everyone for their emails, and letters of support for my columns. I read every email and responded to as many as I could. I want to thank you for your openness and compassion and allowing me to share my voice and perspective as a woman of color. While we may share different beliefs politically, I am grateful for your open heart nonetheless.
I want to thank The Herald for providing a platform for a woman of color like myself; its support has given me the courage and encouragement to continue to unapologetically share my stories and experiences with others. In 2021, I am making a commitment to live a bolder life, and The Herald was instrumental in building that foundation. I hope you choose the same for yourself.
With 2020 being a year of immense change, I am also stepping into a new season in my life. I have accepted a new position in Tacoma and will be relocating out of Snohomish County this year. I’ll still be continuing my work of supporting undeserved students, and hopefully getting the opportunity to write for a more local news outlet there. With this change, this also means, I will be leaving the Opinion pages of The Herald.
In spite of all of the friction and the craziness in the world, writing provided a temporary escape from an often harsh reality. Knowing that my writing could empower, inspire, and foster critical thinking among others made me understand the power of the pen.
Feel free to keep in contact with me via Twitter @CieraGrahamPhD where I will be sharing more of my work.
Thank you for everything and Happy New Year.
Ciera Graham, who holds a doctorate in education, has recently accepted a new position with Pierce College.
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