Seeing my name in the paper still makes me smile sometimes.

No, I'm not someone who craves attention. Far from it, actually.

But having a byline in The Charlotte Observer once seemed like a far-off dream to a quiet, curious 13-year-old who wanted to write.

Growing up, this paper was a regular part of my family's routine. It is where my parents went to learn more about Charlotte schools, or read business and religion news. My brother used it to follow the Johnson C. Smith relay team, check the comics and to find jobs. My sister liked the entertainment and Home sections.

I read a little bit of everything, but especially remember flipping through the old Mecklenburg Neighbors section to find anything written about my classmates and friends.

The fact that everyone in my family could find something they liked is part of the appeal of the Observer. On any given day, these pages are filled with stories of people from across the community, and of issues affecting both our region and beyond. You'd be hard-pressed not to find at least one thing that drew your interest.

The variety of the coverage pulled me in because I've always enjoyed learning a little bit about a lot of things. That I could have a job that let me be nosy and ask all the questions I wanted fascinated me.

But I also could see the impact the Observer had in sparking dialogue, especially about our schools.

As a student at West Charlotte High, I can remember being frustrated at times at coverage of my school. I worried some stories were too negative. Looking back, though, I can see they offered a glimpse into the challenge of figuring out the best way to offer education in this community, a debate that continues today.

To me, the paper has always been at its best in peeling back the decisions of local leaders and businesses to show what it means for our neighbors, the good or the bad. It's also long given voice to the needs and struggles of people who might otherwise go unheard.

Few things are more satisfying than seeing people rally behind a cause, or reconsider a decision because it was written about in the Observer.

I joined the paper six years ago, and currently cover Mecklenburg County government. I feel fortunate to have had the chance to help tell the stories of people across the community. You've let me ask all the questions I wanted, and sometimes, a few extra.

Who wouldn't smile at that?