"The time has come for the next chapter in my life to begin. With this change, it will be impossible to continue writing my Discover Colorado column. It has been my most humbling and beautiful experience."”

Omayra Acevedo

COLORADO - Life is an adventure, especially because you never truly know where it’s taking you.

As I reflect on all the plans I’ve made, I can count on one hand the ones that came to fruition. Most everything else has been out of my control.

One unexpected event was moving to the States from Puerto Rico. Walking into my first English class brought me to tears; I never thought I would learn English well enough to call myself an American journalist.

Not only am I writing for an American newspaper, but I’m writing about something I have loved more than anything: my adventures across Colorado.

Through my words, I’ve taken you to some of the most scenic drives in the state. We’ve been camping and attending colorful festivals. We may have gotten a little tipsy at a brewery or just felt Rocky Mountain High while summiting peaks.

From Evergreen to Breckenridge and Estes Park to Aspen, I brought you to some of my favorite mountain towns. Other really cool places we’ve visited include Frisco and Vail. Honestly, there are simply too many to name them all.

Let’s not forget our adventures through Rocky Mountain National Park, the most magical destination of all. The abundance of wildlife and breathtaking beauty in this park is astounding. If you dream of seeing the Milky Way or shooting stars year-round, this is the perfect place.

At times, you have joined me on an emotional roller coaster as I share some of my deepest struggles. I thank you for listening. Well, in this case, I thank you for reading. Words aren’t enough to express what you mean to me.

I thank you for all the messages my colleagues and editors received from you, expressing your appreciation of my work. That means more to me than any salary or award. I mean this from the bottom of my heart.

The time has come for the next chapter in my life to begin. With this change, it will be impossible to continue writing my Discover Colorado column. It has been my most humbling and beautiful experience.

Aside from writing my Discover Colorado column, you, my dear reader, have been my favorite experience. I will miss you as much as I will miss Colorado and writing about it.

Remember, you can plan all you want, but the stars have a plan, and all you can do is help them write the ending or beginning of each chapter.

I bid my farewell to explore more of this great nation’s beauty. I ask for one thing and one thing only: Never stop discovering Colorado. It truly is an inspiring place!