Jonathan Meyer.

As I mentioned last week in my column, I’m on Wartburg’s spring break right now. It’s been an exciting opportunity to open my eyes and be fully immersed in our community once again after the long eight weeks of rigorous academics.

My life at school is great, and I will never take that time for granted. But there’s something completely different about being home in the community you’ve known and loved for two decades.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — my role at the newspaper has only expanded my appreciation and love for our community.

This week I’ve seen some truly delightful things that I’m excited to continue writing about and carrying with me as I return to school next week.

As you can see from this week’s paper, getting to see the community rally around our friends and neighbors in need of support is something special. Supporting new business ventures, participating in civil discourse within city government, and even countywide issues that involve our state leaders all play a role in shaping who we are.

And it’s beautiful to see it all working at such a fast pace. Who would have imagined that for our communities?

I’m writing this column on a Wednesday morning, and I’m excited for the rest of my week. I’m excited to continue a few interviews for the paper. I’m excited to meet legislators in Des Moines on Thursday. I’m excited to grab dinner with friends, walk my dog, and continue enjoying the opportunities that our community provides all of us.

At this point, I probably sound like I’m beating a dead horse. But I truly hope younger members of our community are able to open their eyes, take a look around, and realize how good we have it here.

It’s incredible that regardless of your age and regardless of how long you’ve lived here, you can step out into our community, use your voice, use your resources, and be a part of something bigger than yourself.

I know this community will be around long after I’m gone, and long after anyone reading this column today will be here. My hope is that the impacts we make today are felt long after our time being a part of these two gems of Iowa towns.

Oh, and one more thing, I’m pretty excited to use a Murphs gift card I have to indulge in my favorite food: ice cream.

I’ve enjoyed being a full-time reporter and community member this week. Oh, and seeing my family too is pretty cool.

Until my next break (which is in April), I’m just Jonathan.