Olivia Thomas Storytelling

For as long as I can remember, I’ve led a busy life. Growing up in small-town Nebraska, I participated in just about every activity my school could offer. Sixteen or even 18-hour days were normal for me all throughout high school and even in college—ask my professors. There is photo evidence out there of me sleeping on airport floors and even in Chilean trees—wherever I could grab a few minutes of rest in between the busyness.

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This lifestyle transitioned into my first “big girl” job as a local newspaper reporter for the then-daily Scottsbluff Star-Herald. While I can be a bit timid when first meeting new people, I quickly learned and loved the Scottsbluff-Gering community and all of western Nebraska. I grew more dedicated to local journalism and more fascinated with every new story I wrote. Still, on the days I actually left the office at a decent time, I needed more. 

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I used my free time to write even more, freelancing for various businesses who needed SEO-powered blogs and organizations needing to expand their research. As a journalist by day and freelancer by night, I’d written about everything from fired high-school principals to long-lost horses to preparing vehicles for winter. When I wasn’t writing, I was researching, whether that meant surfing the internet for statistics or surfing the streets for anecdotes. 

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My dedication to learning and telling stories did not go unnoticed. My award-winning work had been recognized across the state through the Nebraska Press Association’s annual contest. Even my editor and publisher saw my capabilities, handing over to me the additional responsibility of an entire weekly newspaper, the Gering Courier, only eight months into my career.

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This was the lifestyle of an ambitious person with an insatiable appetite for new experiences. However, due to personal circumstances, I made the move to a full-time corporate position in 2022, conducting internal communications for a local hospital system. I wanted to attempt a more low-key lifestyle after nearly succumbing to burnout. 

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Yet, I wasn’t made to sit still. 

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I side-hustled my way from low-key back to busy, using the hours outside my 8-5 to walk dogs, tutor, and do freelance writing, photography and social media, along with any other projects I could get my hands on. I traveled outside the state and country, hiking mountains, exploring nature, discussing the importance of the polar ice caps. I played tourist in my own town, auditioned for a play, wrote poetry for an open mic, tasted locally grown wine, and attended the first ever pro volleyball match in the state of Nebraska. I even started my own travel blog to share all these experiences with anyone wanting to listen. 

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I’ve since decided I can’t not live a life without the chaos that’s driven by my curiosity. 

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And that’s why I’m here today, offering my curiosity—in any form that is helpful—to you. I want to learn, travel, experience and grow, and I’d love to do so alongside others who desire the same. Whether you want to work together or just chat about our related ambitions, I invite you to connect with me. Let’s change the world with our stories.