Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
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 [email protected]. They will be printed out and mailed to her when she has an address at basic training.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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