I officially began my internship at the Whitman County Gazette in January. I was 19 years old, a sophomore in college and contemplating what my future would look like.
I came from Detroit to reconnect with my family and friends, explore and grow.
Living in a crime-filled city like Detroit never had the glamor that Gotham did with its cape-wearing vigilantes. Just prior to the start of my internship, I had made the choice to consider the Army for the multiple benefits available toward my education and to begin a career in writing.
I had just ended things with a boyfriend and not so ironically decided to travel as if my life were a coming-of-age film from the early aughts.
I switched to online learning for the winter semester and would switch from work to school online frequently throughout the day.
Back then, I didn’t know many people here.
I wasn’t enjoying Potstickers from Eddie’s every Tuesday like I do now. I wasn’t talking to Pete and Candace Koerner over a coffee at Top Notch about their all-star softball playing daughter. I certainly wasn’t as comfortable to share my life with people as I do now.
This internship gave me friends and so much more.
Now, at 20 years old, I am leaving this small town I have grown to call home. I’m departing for Army “boot camp” in Fort Sill, Okla., on Monday, Aug. 8.
The military training I am set for will take me away from Whitman County for nine months and once I have completed my training, I will be Pfc. Harnack, serving as an intelligence analyst for the 238 Aviation Battalion of the Army National Guard.
The transition from journalism to military is one I believe will be jarring. I will no longer get paid to be nosy. But, from the letters I have received from Gazette readers who are supportive of my decision, I can’t help but feel proud and excited.
People ask me, “Are you nervous or anxious?” I am. Who wouldn’t be about changing their life?
Mostly, I am motivated to begin this new chapter. I am going to serve my county, my family, and at the same time, earn so many benefits toward my education.
Perhaps one day I will write another column about becoming an officer in the Army and hopefully one day, a pilot.
The Whitman County Gazette has helped provide amazing opportunities that I am incredibly grateful for.
Had I not had this internship, I never would have gained the confidence and motivation I have now.
I made many friends in town including those who work at the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office. If the timing is ever right, I will gladly take Sheriff Brett Myers’ offer on a deputy position.
My time at the Whitman County Gazette led me to interesting stories and adventures — ones I will not forget.
As I wrap up my loose ends in the community, I can’t help but start counting down until next year, where I will hopefully return to write again. After next summer, I plan to return to college in Detroit to finish my last two years.
The lessons I have learned here are unforgettable and I hope to carry the discipline, motivation and wisdom from this job into my military career. I have learned a lot about myself with this internship and I know I will come back as a stronger, smarter and prouder young American woman.
Thank you to all of Whitman County and the kind-hearted folks who call the gorgeous rolling hills of the Palouse home.
– Olivia Harnack is leaving her reporting internship for the Army National Guard. Emails to her can be sent to editor@wcgazette.com. They will be printed out and mailed to her when she has an address at basic training.
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