I just returned from a two-week road trip in Europe—Lyon, France, to Bern, Switzerland for Thanksgiving, and back to Paris for several days of exploring, art and Christmas Markets. It was awe-inspiring for Todd and me, and I finally saw the Alps, which was top of my bucket list for decades, and I learned vital history like detailed stories of the French Resistance to the Nazis and their own horrific appeasing Vichy government (ahem) at a Lyon museum in the old Gestapo headquarters. It was very us.
Every bit of the trip was awe-inspiring. But not least was my ability to fully disappear from my work at the Mississippi Free Press, set an auto-responder redirecting all communications for the first time and do absolutely no work. So, this is what a vacation is supposed to be like, I quipped to Todd while kicking back on a red chaise in our Lyon AirBNB in a 16th-century building in the old town there, listening to music and planning our sightseeing agenda. Last year’s England/Wales vacation was nearly this blissful with very little work communications, but this one was the real deal.
Donna Ladd (hands in air) writes that she and Kimberly Griffin brought lessons about selves and leadership to the Mississippi Free Press from their years at the Jackson Free Press. And they look for a desire to learn and grow daily among job applicants, who often join staff meetups and meet with other team members before accepting positions. Pictured from left around table: Former Senior Reporter Kayode Crown (now at AL.com); Kimberly Griffin; Donna Ladd; Digital Editor Dustin Cardon; Voices Editor Azia Wiggins; and Culture Reporter Aliyah Veal. Photo by Nate Schumann
There is one single reason for this: a newsroom filled with amazing people who care about each other and how we work together, and that includes our leaders. Every member of this growing team grew up in Mississippi, except for reporter Shaunicy Muhammad of Mobile, Ala., and that’s so close that we claim her. These days, I don’t leave town wondering what might go awry; I believe nothing will