I stumbled into my first newspaper job about two years ago.

I was fresh out of graduate school and entering the work force (for the second time) at the end of 2008, right as the Great Recession was making itself known.

I received a master’s in journalism, but it was basically a research degree. I worked as a magazine editor and taught writing classes in school, but I didn’t think I was interested in newspapers.

Of course, I changed my mind once I began working for a newspaper. I started my career at Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., a small publishing company that puts out a five-day daily newspaper, a weekly newspaper and a monthly magazine.

I was hired to write for the newspapers and edit the magazine.

I loved it. The magazine is focused on Lake Martin, so I spent many summer days on or near the water researching stories.

I liked learning something new every day. I know why vegetation is important to bodies of water. I’ve seen how busy a courthouse gets on the night of a general election. I learned that there are many creative ways to use methamphetamine.

I also learned that newspapers play an important role in communities. There’s no denying that journalism is facing unprecedented challenges, but newspapers, especially in small towns, can help shape a community —hopefully in a positive way.

People depended on our publications for news and information. Over the last two years, I answered numerous calls from people wanting to know why the council voted a certain way, when school is going to start, etc.

I even had a person call me to tell me that CNN has the news wrong and could we please let them know.

I wasn’t much help with that one.

I’m getting married next month, and my husband-to-be and I are going to settle in the Birmingham area. I lucked out and quickly found a great job with a very professional and fun staff.

I started my job in Shelby County about a month ago. As the lifestyles editor, I oversee the lifestyles and education pages of our newspaper and our magazines. I’ve already met a lot of wonderful people, and I’m looking forward to learning more about the community.

Please feel free to contact me if you have story suggestions or comments.

Katie Cole is the lifestyles editor for the Shelby County Reporter. She can be reached at 669-3131 ext. 19 or by email at katie.cole@shelbycountyreporter.com.