March 29, 2024

From your former news editor

It’s your former news editor Jennifer Nelson. Hope all is well. Did you all have a good Fourth of July holiday with your family and friends? I have to say this year’s holiday was quite different for me. This was the first time in five years that I wasn’t wearing a camera around my neck shooting thousands of pictures for the newspaper. It was nice to relax and take in the festivities.

In fact, my boyfriend Dustin and I enjoyed a barbecue lunch and fireworks here in Columbia, Mo. Dustin and I have been dating now for about three months. Back in March, I started attending a small-group Bible study, which was led by Dustin. He quickly caught my eye, and I knew I wanted to learn more about this guy. Plus, girls seemed to outnumber the guys in the group so I didn’t want to waste any time and risk the chance that someone else might come along and whisk him away first.

Taking my late-mother’s advice that I didn’t need to wait for the guy to initiate, I asked him to hang out. We’ve been dating ever since. He’s a wonderful young man of God, a gentleman and an amazing cook. We enjoy cooking together and spending a lot of time outdoors with his yellow lab. I’ll keep you posted.

It’s hard to believe I’ve been in Missouri for almost a year. Work at the university keeps me busy. I’m learning every day. I haven’t even started my master’s degree yet, but working at the Reynolds Journalism Institute, which is located at Missouri School of Journalism, has added quite a bit to my journalism degree just from everything I’ve been learning through my job.

My brother and his wife visited in May to celebrate my 29th birthday. I need to get back to Kansas City to see them and their new house. My growing niece is 2 1/2 years old now and talking up a storm.

Until next time, please keep in touch and let me know how you’re all doing – journalismjen84@yahoo.com.