Well, y’all — today marks the last official newsletter you’ll receive with my face at the bottom. What a joy it has been writing for you these past few years, sharing the best of what the Circle City has to offer.

It's crazy to think that back in September of 2021, I sent the very first INDYtoday newsletter — and how much the newsletter and our social media have evolved and grown since then. Who remembers when we used to use emojis after every line?

During my time, I was able to discover even more of Indy's vibrant culture and — if it’s possible — fall even more in love with my hometown.

Becoming a member is a powerful way to support our local news team. | Photo by INDYtoday

When I joined INDYtoday, I had just left my previous job at WTHR, where I helped cover crime, politics, COVID, and all the not-so-fun things happening in Indy and the world. While I learned so much and loved the people I worked with (like Sean Ash, Anne Marie Tiernon, Jennie Runevitch, Taylor Tannebaum, Lauren Kostiuk, and many more faces you may or may not recognize because we were behind the scenes), I was very ready for a change. I left and didn't know where I was going to end up — but I took the risk and landed what has been like a dream job for me for these last nearly four years.

Back in August 2022, Nicole got a hard hat tour of The Stutz complex — which a year later, would become one of her favorite destinations downtown. | Photo by INDYtoday team

When I found INDYtoday, it was a breath of fresh air. What do you mean I get to write about all the fun things in Indy — like the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials, dog-friendly places, Indy's hidden speakeasies, big developments like Bottleworks + The Stutz, and the Pacers in the Playoffs back-to-back years. I’ll never forget being among the first to see chimpanzees roaming overhead at the Indianapolis Zoo.

It has been amazing to see Indy grow so much in just the past four years. I remember the announcement of a boutique hotel coming to downtown, across from the former jail site and IndyGo's bus station + then picking my jaw off the floor when I got to see it in real life.

With the NFL Combine in Indianapolis every year, of course Nicole had to get a picture with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. | Photo by INDYtoday team

What I loved the most about this job was the people — hearing from you, our loyal readers, and sharing the stories of cool people in our community, like history buff Sampson Levingston, Indy muralist Shaunt’e Lewis, and a local pastry chef Youssef Boudarine.

I haven’t done the exact math, but I’ve written 1,000+ pieces in my time here, and had a lot of fun on social media, too. And if I could sum up what all that work has taught me, it’s that there are real people behind the screens + keyboards. So if I can offer you some parting words of wisdom, choose kindness.

Nicole got to tour the newly renovated IMS Museum before it reopened to the public. | Photo by INDYtoday team

I've always loved this place I call home + being an INDYtoday City Editor has become part of my identity. I'm going to miss being in your inbox every other day, but this isn’t a goodbye. It’s a "I’ll see you around town."You can still find me cheering on the Pacers, attending local events, sharing all the cool places and events that you need to check out, and even creating experiences myself — so if you see me out in the wild, don't be shy.

Thank you for this amazing opportunity and for being a friend.

P.S. I'm not going far — I'll still be working with 6AM City in a different capacity, where I'll be focused on social media marketing.