There’s a file where I’ve begun to store moments from this year – stories, emails, sound clips, whatever – that represent Nome and my experience here. Things I’d like to remember. Things that, I think, capture some crucial part of this place.
What began as a literal folder on my desktop for b-roll and particularly good sound bytes has grown to include my mental collection of priceless moments. Between the station and volunteer house, I’m never more than a few feet from a working microphone – yet it always seems that the best interactions slip by undocumented.
Kristin wrote about the importance of “dropping the mic” recently – a lesson that I’ve been somewhat slower to internalize. Not just when it comes to interviews and community reporting, but within KNOM’s station walls.
There are just so many moments I want to capture. I’ve lost count of the number of times I walk past Studio A and catch a snippet of conversation that stops me in my tracks. Whether it’s an impromptu Inupiaq lesson from one of our community D.J.’s or a phone call with a listener who’s having a particularly rough day – I’m surrounded by people whose best work often takes place off the air.
Sure, we make plenty of mistakes. (If you want an example, just tune in while I read current weather conditions.) Often very public mistakes. But there are so many behind-the-scenes successes.
I’ve watched my colleagues form friendships with listeners 50+ miles away, and conduct interviews so heartfelt both reporter and subject wind up teary-eyed. I’ve watched them put themselves out there – whether by hosting the ever-terrifying weekly call-in show or sacrificing a little pride to learn a new word they can barely pronounce.
I’ve watched them stand up for the things they believe in – even when doing so is neither fun nor easy. And I’ve watched most of these things slip by without mention. After all, we have other important stuff to worry about… like pronouncing “Kegoayah Kozga” correctly for once.
But in the spirit of our recent holiday, I want to express my gratitude for the people who live and work around me. And for the community members who have taken the time to educate, help or simply converse with us. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to be here in Nome. And even when I mess up — which I absolutely do — the courage demonstrated by those around me is a constant inspiration to pick up and keep going.
So, even though I could use a million words to express my thanks this year, I think I’ll try just one: Quyanna.
