Many of you a l r e a d y know me, either from my childhood here or as a server at Savannah’s, but for those who don’t, I’d like to tell you about myself. I am a native of Wakulla County, literally born here, in an old cabin in the woods of Sopchoppy. That was odd in 1974, and the shocked reaction from people always made me feel special.
Growing up, I ran barefoot, played in the woods and hung out at the sinkholes. I walked miles of dirt roads, and rode my horse bareback. In the summers I went to work with Mom at Wakulla Springs State Park, spending my days with Donald Gavin in the boathouse or with Ms. Tessie in the gift shop, both of whom I loved dearly.
As a teen, I was restless, longing to escape the small town life. For a time I lived elsewhere, lucky enough to do some traveling. I’ve had beignets in New Orleans, elk sausage in Alaska, snorkeled and drank Dos Equis in Cozumel, gone horseback riding in New Mexico, seen Broadway shows in New York City and explored the rain forests of Costa Rica.
Obviously in no hurry to finish college, I graduated with my Associate’s degree when I was 25. Thirteen years later I graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s degree in English, specializing in editing, writing and the media.
Along the way I settled down and married a boy who was also from the county. After having children, we moved back to raise our daughters here, but the first year back in the county was difficult, filled with the fear and tears of divorce and dementia.
With everything going on that year, I didn’t believe a career change was best for the girls, so I didn’t pursue one after graduation. Several years later I was given the opportunity to write freelance for The Wakulla News. Despite being terrified, with each story I covered I met more amazing people. I was happy to know them, excited to write about them, and it reminded me
that the world is much bigger than the one I had created for myself.
Now I am an actual reporter, with a desk and everything. It’s exciting, and I am so grateful for
the opportunity. I know that at times I will be forced to write things that are uncomfortable, but I hope you can trust that I will never sacrifice my morals for the sake of sensationalism. I promise that I will be unbiased, but I will also strive to be positive and upbeat.
My goal as a journalist, a mother and a person is to build people’s confidence and bring happiness where I can. When I stop and look around, I see my world with misty-eyed appreciation. I am thankful for the experiences I’ve had, and to be where I am at this moment.
My girls are intelligent and kind, I live in a beautiful place of natural wonders, surrounded
by amazing people and I’m doing work that I love. I may complain sometimes that I’m tired – often working seven days a week, but the truth is that I am content.
When I walk into the office here at The Wakulla News, I am struck by the soothing smell of paper and ink. When I walk into my other job at Savannah’s, I am equally struck by the sounds of laughter and dishes clattering in the kitchen. In both cases what truly makes the job special for me is the interaction with you, the people of my community.
Krystal Sheppard is a reporter at The Wakulla News.
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