Off to college again?

Wait, what? Already? That can't be. Did time move that quickly?

That it did. As much as I have enjoyed another summer in Okoboji, I must return to Ames to receive another year of education and life skills. I am anxious to get back to Iowa State to see all of my friends again, but at the same time I will miss the people I must leave behind at home.

As many of you reading this column know, I have been the summer intern for the Dickinson County News. I am a journalism and mass communications major, and hope to someday be working for ESPN. As fast as this summer has gone, I feel like I have taken so much from this opportunity; an opportunity I did not even think I would get. I went in for the interview over my spring break, and thought I completely dropped the ball and screwed it up. Turned out, I got a call three days later asking me if I would want the position! This has been an amazing learning experience for me, and I now have a greater appreciation for what the written word can transform into. I have met many great people through this internship, and they shall be great sources of wisdom and advice for me as I progress toward my ultimate goal.

With my final days as the summer intern approaching, I have looked back and thought about all the people that have really helped me along the way. One of my very first stories would not have been completed if it was not for Elaine Greer at the Spirit Lake High School. The preview articles for the University of Okoboji events would not have been possible without the help and knowledge of Herman and Matt Richter from the Three Sons, and all of the restaurant owners and managers have been fantastic to work with.

From my first day of work up to my last, each member of the DCN family has been nothing short of amazing to me. Anitra, Caroline, Abby, Ryan, Lisa J., Lisa N., Amanda, Caity, and Scott never saw me as just "The Intern," but allowed me to be an asset to the paper while I was here. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I worked with all of them, and skills and lessons I learned this summer will never be forgotten; thank you.

I have two more years at Iowa State University, with more internships and work opportunities ahead of me. Yet, there will always be a starting point that I can refer to and say "That's where it began," and that starting point is right here. For those who have read the opinion articles this summer, passed on compliments, and appreciated the message, I thank you all as well. The "Ransom Note" might be coming to an end, but there are many more notes to add to this continuing novel.

God bless!

Jared Ransom is a news intern for the Dickinson County News. He may be reached at jared@dickinsoncountynews.com.