Savor this moment as you prepare for next chapter
Columnists, COLUMNS--FEATURE SPOT, María Camp, Opinion, Z - TOP HOME
 By  María Camp Published 
3:20 pm Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Savor this moment as you prepare for next chapter

Many of you are getting ready to march across a stage or field, accept your diploma and begin the next phase of your life. Whether you feel excitement, nervousness, dread or some combination thereof, it’s certainly understandable. There’s a lot to think about, decisions to be made, pros and cons to be weighed.
Even if your time in high school has yielded mostly pleasant memories, you may be eager to see what it’s like to start over somewhere different, try new things and meet new people. Maybe you feel certain about what you want moving forward. Or maybe you have no idea what path you wish to follow, which dreams you wish to pursue.
Sit quietly and reflect. Write your thoughts down. Take the time for photos. Make sure to truly be present in the moments along the way, both big and small. Don’t be in such a hurry to get “there” that you don’t enjoy the journey.
However you feel about what may come next, try new things along the way, challenge your assumptions about your life and where you want it to go. And don’t forget to pause and reflect, stop and enjoy both the big and little moments along the way. Not everything has to be momentous to matter.

Also on Franklin County Times
Goodwin stepping down as Golden Tigers’ football coach
High School Sports, News, Russellville, ...
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
January 9, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE – Dustin Goodwin, who served as athletic director and head football coach, announced he is resigning his position to seek other opportuni...
Dowdy sentencing delayed due to medical emergency
News, Russellville, Z - News Main
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The sentencing of Brandy Dowdy will have to wait until another day after her defense attorney suffered a “medical emergency” on Tuesday...
Legislative session opens Jan. 13; Kiel prefiles 2 bills
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE -- State Rep. Jamie Kiel has prefiled two bills ahead of the 2026 Alabama legislative session. The bills, which will be considered when l...
Hollimon reflects on 40 years in education
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE – Dr. Deanna Hollimon always felt she was called to be an educator. After 40 years as a teacher, reading coach, administrator and educati...
Firefighters train for vehicle rescues
News, Russellville, Z - News Main
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — City firefighters trained last week on how to stabilize overturned vehicles and remove trapped occupants. Fire Chief Joe Mansell said t...
Neighbors helping neighbors, one soda pop tab at a time
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
January 7, 2026
Most people don’t think twice about the small aluminum tab on top of a soda can. But those tiny pieces of metal have quietly helped families stay clos...
2025: A year of results for Alabama families
Columnists, Opinion
January 7, 2026
The past year has certainly been a memorable one — and, more importantly, a rewarding one. Beginning the year by leading the Laken Riley Act through t...
Author’s collapse was motivation for comeback
News
Chelsea Retherford For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
When Pete Key collapsed on the bathroom floor in 2024, it didn’t feel like a turning point. It felt like an ending. He had been sick for days — dehydr...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *