As reporters, our job is to do just that. Report. We attend events, meet with local business owners and schools and learn about community issues to write the news.

Rarely is the notebook on the other side and do we make the news.

For the most part, that’s the way I like it. I have no desire to be in the spotlight, which is why I chose to go into print and not broadcast journalism. Through my job, I have been able to go places, do things and meet people I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to without my press pass.

But there are times, I’ll admit, when I wish I could be a participant rather than just an observer. Every now and then, as I run around, armed with a pen and reporter’s notebook in my hands and camera around my neck, I imagine what it would be like to attend an event without worrying about having to interview people or take pictures. Sometimes, I’ll cover an event, organization or program and wish I could be a part of it or — especially in covering schools and youth programs — wish there was something like this around when I was younger.

Last weekend, I was fortunate enough to have such an opportunity as I was a speaker for the City of Redmond’s fall Girls Unlimited event. This year’s theme was “Learn, Inspire, Empower,” which made it a great honor when Ken Wong, the city’s teen program administrator, asked if I would speak.

I wasn’t sure exactly what I had to offer the girls — who ranged from middle school to high school aged — but I gave it a shot and I gave it my best. I shared with the girls how I got my start in journalism and the ups and downs I’ve experienced throughout my career. I also shared with them my bookworm ways, my fondness for hip-hop dancing and a bit of my history as a competitive gymnast.

Having been one myself, I know how difficult it can be for a teenaged girl to put yourself out there and say what’s on your mind. It’s a time when all you want to do is fit in with everyone else, and the idea of meeting new people and being in an environment where you don’t know everyone and whether they will like you is scary.

So when the young ladies at Girls Unlimited asked me questions, answered some I had for them and even shared personal stories and experiences from their own lives, I was proud of them — even though I had only met them that afternoon.

In addition to meeting so many awesome young ladies, I also met four amazing women who also spoke at the event: Trish Millines Dziko, Jenny Kuglin, Maris McEdward and Anh Vo.

“It is always great to see how excited the participants are when they get to hear from female professionals that they can look up to,” Wong said. “This is great that we have positive female role models that come and share their story with our young women.”

Those stories ranged from working to bring technology to underserved communities and advising newsrooms around the country on best social media practices, to sharing one of the biggest tech company’s stories with the world and consulting businesses in leadership and team building.

Needless to say, I was intimidated to find myself in such impressive company.

The goal of Saturday’s Girls Unlimited event may have been to have the girls leave feeling that they learned, were inspired and feeling empowered, but I have to say, I was right there with them.

And as much as I love my job and love reporting the news in Redmond, it was also great to be a part of the Girls Unlimited and really feel like a true part of a community I have been covering for four years.