My name is Omayra Acevedo. I’m a reporter at The Mountain-Ear, but I often refer to myself as a photojournalist. I help Ms. Barbara Hardt cover various topics and columns, including features, businesses, my personal favorite, Discover Colorado, and anything she may want help with.

I started working for Hardt in the spring of 2018 upon my return from Europe, where I lived and traveled for two years. Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium were good to me, but living in another country taught me a lot about myself. One of the things I learned is that I am not willing to give up the Colorado Rocky Mountains for anything or anyone. So, I returned home.

I’ve never been married, and I don’t have children, but I am in love with the Centennial State! It’s part of how I came to be a writer for The Mountain- Ear. I came across a small online ad for a mountain newspaper looking for reporters. I inquired and submitted a few of my published pieces. The rest is history.

Aside from writing, I’ve returned to school. I have a Bachelor’s in creative writing and English literature, and now I’m earning a Master’s in Communications. What can I say?! I love school, especially since I can go full-time from the comfort of my home. Education has been the foundation for the endless opportunities I’ve experienced. If I can, I’ll go to school forever.

I’m very transparent and I don’t mind confessing who I am. I’m highly introverted, meaning that my energy is drained when surrounded by groups of people. Sometimes, even one person can feel like a large group. It’s never personal, just simply part of what makes me who I am. Some people confuse being introverted with being shy, and that’s not the case. Being shy and introverted are two different things.

I also have a slight case of autism, which for the longest time, I thought meant that I was broken. I’m not broken. I simply process things differently than most people. That’s all. These two traits are mine, and I own them fully. They also make living in a remote cabin ten miles from Estes Park the ideal home.

I hope to continue a career as a photojournalist, blogger, and author. I can’t see myself doing anything else. In my spare time, should there be any, I enjoy painting, crafting, reading, hiking, camping, skiing, photography, exploring Colorado, and working on my book. Working for great people is something that seldom comes along. Should the opportunity to write full-time for The Mountain-Ear arise, I will gladly take it.

I believe in the power of gratitude. I’m humbled and grateful that Hardt saw something in me worthy of making me a part of her staff. I’m also thankful for Ms. Sara Sandstrom, the most incredible editor I’ve ever worked with. Of course, I’m blessed to have you, my readers. I appreciate you all very much!