Sportswriter Eligha Roper reflected on how the experience of being a reporter has helped him reevaluate his approach to interacting with people.
My time working for The Nugget has been great.
Over the last few years, I have been able to explore my passion for sports journalism and photography.
After working here, I really couldn't see myself enjoying working anywhere else. But unannounced to most people, this job for me has always been about more than just the work.
When I signed up at The Nugget, I took a chance. I had done some photography while hiking, but nothing close to what I would be doing here. Not because I wasn't interested, but because for the longest time, I battled against severe undiagnosed anxiety and steered clear of crowds.
My anxiety impacted nearly every aspect of my life, from conversations, picking up the telephone when people tried to call me, to even avoiding grocery aisles if other people were shopping in them.
I've had panic attacks just walking around the local Walmart in the past, so severely that I was unable to drive myself home.
I was essentially a hermit, and as you can guess, this also significantly impacted my self-confidence.
This job, for me, has been a transformative journey. It's more than just work; it's about pushing my boundaries and stepping into uncomfortable situations.
And you know what? Sometimes, the most uncomfortable situations can lead to the most significant changes.
For me, it's been life-changing, and I hope it inspires you to believe in the transformative power of your own journey.
Being able to cover the local stories of all our successful athletes has been a source of inspiration and joy for me.
Witnessing the incredible achievements of local people has been a reminder of the potential within each of us. I find so much joy in chasing these stories, and it's a joy that I hope you can find in your own journey.
Now I'm not only answering phone calls, but I'm conducting interviews. I'm asking questions, steering conversations and getting to meet some special people in the process. It helped me regain my confidence.
In my second year working for the newspaper, I picked up an award for having one of the best sports sections in the entire state from the Georgia Press Association, just another example of something I would have previously thought was impossible.
Slowly but surely, I was building my confidence.
After a while, I realized I was enjoying myself, but in all honesty I still struggle at times.
I've always been the kind of person who would actively avoid doctor visits, but the joy alone of reporting impacted me so profoundly that I wanted to start taking better care of myself.
It was entirely out of character for me, but I sought help from a doctor and have been getting treated for generalized anxiety disorder ever since.
That may not sound bad, but a quick Google search will reveal that it essentially means I was scared of almost everything.
Things began to change after that doctor's visit. I found my conversations with others getting even easier. I also found it easier to do things that I usually wouldn't have done, such as reviving the Nugget Challenge. As told in last week's edition, we took to the field against the varsity soccer team. To me, the fact that I did that is still unreal.
None of this would have been possible without such a welcoming community.
From welcoming me at the start and all the positive interactions I've had since, it has only fed the love that I have for this special place.
After realizing that I was in such a happy place in my personal life, I gained the confidence to go on a date with the girl I have been with for about a year and a half now. She has two beautiful kids whom I have grown to adore.
Her daughter, who is four, most recently told me I was her hero and that I was a good guy. Let me tell you that hit me like a ton of bricks.
Knowing that I can impact someone's life in that way means the world to me. I'm a lucky guy to have the people that I do in my life and to be surrounded by so much love. It's another thing that I previously thought wasn't possible for me.
Things have consistently gotten better for me, and this job and this opportunity was the spark that ignited it all.
My work at the paper not only provided me with a platform to share inspiring stories but also became a significant part of my personal healing journey.
Sometimes a little bit of good can go a long way for someone.
I try to reflect that in my reporting as a way of giving back to a community that has given me so much.
Mental health is a big deal. These days, it's become kind of taboo for men or anyone, in particular, to discuss or even to admit to having a problem with anxiety. I was that guy for most of my life.
I always thought I was fine and told myself to tough it out and ignore it, as if it were part of everyday life, when in fact it wasn't.
Realizing you aren't perfect or that you need help isn't a weakness; it's a strength. Sometimes it takes more courage to admit that than to ignore it.
If you find yourself struggling, take the time and put in the effort to take care of yourself. You aren't alone, and if you struggle like I did, know things can and will get better.
I'm forever grateful to The Nugget and to all things Lumpkin County athletics for having such a positive impact on my personal life.
The secret to my happiness is to surround yourself with people and things that you love.
When bad things arise, it's only a temporary setback. Center your life around what's good, and everything else will fall into place.
I'm grateful for the support of this community, the love of my partner, and the joy of being a part of these children's lives.
It's these relationships and experiences that have truly enriched my life.