Featured image: (Photo Credit / Erika O’Brien)

Oh, dear lordy, where do I begin?

I have spent the past four years of my college career working for a job that I originally thought was temporary. I knew about The Pacer because my mom worked on it during the summers while she was in college. She always told me I was a good writer and that I should go out for it. I thought, why not? It can be a nice way to get money until I get on staff at WUTM because I am a broadcast journalism major.

What happened next was a decision that would change my life forever. I walked into Gooch 319 at 4:45 p.m. on a Monday and was welcomed by the sweetest people I could ever meet. From my first article talking about true crime podcasts to this, I have never regretted that decision.

I have always enjoyed writing, but I always thought of it as a hobby. I never knew this would become something I love so much and something so near and dear to my heart.

I have met so many amazing people here, from my first executive editor, Kaylee Michon, to Sarah Cornwell, to Trenton Michion, who graciously accepted me as his co-editor for viewpoints and became a friend I will always cherish, to Erika O’Brien, for being an amazing woman who was always in my corner and kept my head on straight while taking amazing photos. Those are some of the seniors who have graduated and have left me with amazing wisdom.

I used things I learned from them to help me run my section as Opinion Editor, and I would say it has been an amazing run. Now, I get to thank people who have helped me over the years.

To my writers—Laur, Gwen, Keenan, Cathleen—you have taught me so much about how to be a kind and understanding leader. I hope that I did right by you and helped you fall in love with opinion writing like I have. Thank you for trusting me, and I hope that you all continue to enjoy writing.

To my fellow editors, specifically Ethan, Bryant, Darby and Ryleigh (our non-senior editors): You guys have amazed me every day. Everything you have helped produce and done has been amazing, and I could not be prouder. You are people that I am so blessed to have met, and I know that the state of The Pacer is only going to become better as you continue to work and grow.

Now to my fellow graduating editors—Chloe, Chyler and Nate: We have been through a lot, Pacer and non-Pacer. I am so blessed to be graduating with such amazing people, and I am so glad I was able to work with you all for so long. Thank you for dealing with me, and I hope I didn’t annoy you all too much.

To Jennifer, Aubrey and Izzy: Thank you for being my besties. I have loved being able to grow our relationship into what it is now and know that it is something to last. I know graduation won’t be the last time we hang out, and I am ready to see where life takes us.

To Dr. Plotner: When I first met you during your interview, I knew that you would be perfect here. You took time to listen to a staff of baby journalists who had dreams and decided to take a chance on us. I thank you for that and for being a support that I can count on. While I wish I had more time to get to know you, I am so happy that I was able to have you as our adviser for my senior year. I already know The Pacer will be amazing under you, and I cannot wait to see just how much we grow under your leadership. You’re an amazing advocate for us and treat us like real journalists, and it has been amazing.

To Ms. Tomi: For the three years I worked under you, I knew you always cared. That is something that never changed. I could not have been luckier to have such an amazing role model to look up to during the first few years at The Pacer when I was still finding myself. Thank you for always being an advocate for me and every person who ever worked for The Pacer.

To my professors: When they say the Mass Media and Strategic Communication Department is a family, you are the reason why. I always knew that I would have a home here, and I was never made to feel otherwise. I could not imagine getting my degree with the amount of care and consideration you have given me anywhere else.

Thank you, Skyhawks, for reading my articles or listening to Pacer Points, or both. This has been a dream come true, and I can confidently say that it is a great day to be a Skyhawk and an even better day to be a part of The Pacer.