Hellen Keller is quoted saying “Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.”
I can say I have learned many lessons since starting at the Dumas Clarion and learning about the Dumas and Desha County area and its history.
The Clarion’s history has also changed from strictly a print publication to now including a website. For the second year, Joe Santana has joined the staff again as an intern for the summer. As of March 29, 2023, officially, I have role of Dumas Clarion Publisher and Editor.
I have to say I have learned much since graduating high school, going to college and going out in the real world. I think the real world sometimes teaches the important lessons we sometimes miss (in some cases) or didn’t catch in our youth.
You have to learn how to balance the different aspects of life. You discover that just because you are grown doesn't mean you always get to do what you want to do when you want to do it like many may have believed when they were younger and smarter. Also you discover you sometimes end up where your younger self could never have imagined
Since starting at the Clarion, I can say I have worn and still wear many hats and met many people who have helped me when I didn’t know where to find information or in some cases who to talk to. For those who have submitted information or pointed me in the right direction. I thank you for your assistance.
I know Dumas isn’t what it used to be in the past. It doesn’t have the industry it used to have, but that doesn’t mean Dumas can’t continue into the future. Dumas is learning its life lessons as it continues on into the future. What I am seeing is a variety of programs and people trying to support Dumas and see that it will be here for future generations. We need to support each other and current, in the works or future programs projects that will help Dumas. To close Paul Ryan once said “Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of persons working together.”
