It's not 'goodbye,' it's SEA(ttle) you later

Farah Jadran

I've lived in the city of Syracuse for more than 13 years. That length of time definitely surpassed the time I thought I would spend here. The welcoming feeling I received and kindness from many were blessings.

I first arrived in the Salt City to attend graduate school for journalism at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. I finished the one-year program on time and started working as a local newspaper editor before I even walked the commencement stage.

Making the decision to take new opportunities in Seattle was one of the hardest decisions Niko and I have ever made. Our closest friends and colleagues know Seattle and the Pacific Northwest are places we have visited many times over the years.

We enjoyed every moment on those trips. There have been times when we asked ourselves, "what if?" I must say, we left any question, concern or thought about the future in God's hands.

Niko and I are both of strong faith and we know things happen for a reason. While we look to the future birth of our first child this fall and now a cross-country move before that time, we also reflect on the beautiful blessings we have because of Central New York.

First off, it's where we met. It's also Niko's hometown and a place that has become a second home to me. Both of us have been blessed with incredible opportunities, both professionally and personally. Our extended family of community members is incredible. I don't have to tell you how lucky everyone is to have such dedicated non-profit leaders, workers and volunteers to help champion numerous worthy causes. Both Niko and I have had the honor to work with many charities to help others.

Professionally, I would have never imagined how many amazing opportunities would be presented to me while living in Syracuse. Since moving here in spring 2008, I have worked with several CNY journalists in newsrooms including Eagle Newspapers, The Cortland Standard, Syracuse Woman Magazine, WCNY-TV, Spectrum News, WSYR-TV and finally, my current newsroom home - CNY Central (CBS 5, NBC 3 and CW 6). As I reflect on the journey - my heart feels full and forever grateful. I also taught as an adjunct journalism and communications professor at SUNY Oswego, Cazenovia College, Syracuse University and SUNY Onondaga Community College.

During my past two years at CNY Central as anchor of "CBS 5 This Morning" and "CBS 5 News at Noon" - I have had the comforting feeling of knowing I could come into work expecting a positive outcome. Whether it was a tough news day or not, I knew my news team would be ready to tackle the day. We've handled breaking news and reported on some of the most heartfelt stories in our community. No matter what the day brings, my team is always professional, thoughtful, positive and supportive. Many of them made me laugh and smile daily as well! I must thank my co-workers, our newsroom leaders, news director and general manager for creating such a positive place to work. I will miss my CNY Central family and several other professional colleagues here, but I take great solace in knowing I have life-long friends.

To the wonderful readers of CNY publications I have worked for and the viewers of local TV news that tuned in over the years - I thank you dearly. You are the reasons I love what I do.

I will continue my journey as a local broadcast news journalist in Seattle. With that, I encourage everyone to continue making CNY great and continue being kind to one another.

We will be back to visit loved ones regularly. So, I say this is SEA(ttle) you later, Central New York! You have a piece of my heart forever. You can continue to see what's new by following @FarahJadran on Twitter, Instagram and Twitter. SWM

Photos by Farah Jadran