Writer finds a new beginning at the Clarion Herald

By Kim Roberts
Clarion Herald

To say I am overjoyed to start working at the Clarion Herald is an understatement.

I often had envisioned being a full-time staff writer at this publication over the years, but the timing and circumstances just weren’t right. I have been blessed to have written blogs and columns for the Clarion’s NOLA Catholic Parenting and the occasional feature story over the years, but this is different.  

I am lucky to now fully utilize the journalism skills I learned in college to write about our Catholic faith in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

On and off over the years, I have kicked around the world of journalism – writing  a weekly column in The Times-Picayune for 10 years, freelance stories for local and national publications and assorted part-time jobs that gave me flexibility with my three children as they grew up. These writing jobs helped pay for my children’s Catholic school education from pre-K through high school.

Moms many times make some tough decisions about our careers for the sake of our families. We might put our careers on hold or change what we thought our career should look like to raise children. That is exactly what I did, and I do not regret one second of that time with my children, but I have to admit there were many days I missed my professional life.

After college, all I could think about was graduating and landing a lucrative and fulfilling job. After earning my master’s degree, my first job was working as an ad agency copywriter in Lafayette, where my husband had found a job. I also was an account representative until I had my second child. I was already working part-time by the time my third child came along, so I could be a more hands-on mom.

While my youngest was in high school, I spent a few years as my parish’s coordinator. Not only was it close to home, but it was where I spent countless volunteer hours while my children attended school and participated in CYO. Yet,  I was not utilizing my writing skills daily as I would have liked.

My children are all grown –  my last started college this school year – and my husband and I are empty-nesters. This is all new territory for us for sure.

The Clarion Herald came around exactly when I needed it. God definitely guided me here. This is more than a writing job for me; it is a calling. I am looking forward to this new challenge of reporting all the Good News in the archdiocese.