Memo: Film critic Betsy Sharkey 'heading home to Texas'

Friday is Betsy Sharkey's last day at the Los Angeles Times after 17 years, the last seven as one of the Calendar section's film critics. She announced her plans to leave earlier this month. Sharkey holds a degree in journalism and a master’s in communications theory from Texas Christian University and began her career in Texas. Here's her email to the newsroom this morning.

From: "Sharkey, Betsy"
Date: May 15, 2015 at 10:35:50 AM EDT
To: yyeditall
Subject: a few thoughts on my final day

I really don't want to say goodbye. Instead, here’s the central truth I take away from my 17 year run at the L.A. Times – it takes a village. At least it has for me. All manner of editors, writers, photographers, researchers, videographers, designers, onliners -- have helped make me better, saved me from my own failings. You have been generous with your talent, your time, your ideas. To be surrounded by the best in the newspaper business has been a privilege every single day.

I am grateful for the incredible creative opportunities and consistent intellectual challenges this place has given me. The last 7 years getting to put "Los Angeles Times Film Critic" on more than a thousand reviews never got old. It was truly the job of a lifetime.

Still other challenges drew me. I’m heading home to Texas with a book project I’m excited by, and not just because it has nothing to do with entertainment for a change….

Please stay in touch, and if you find yourself in Austin, give a shout. I’ll leave the light on….

Betsy