I joined The Pacer in the spring semester of 2024. It was immediately after a time in which I was most confused about where my path was going. I spent my first year and a half in Martin as a biology major and planned to become a marine biologist—I like sharks. Throughout my time in that program, I slowly started to wear down until I was sitting in one of my classes and realized that I simply wasn’t interested anymore. That moment was when I turned to journalism.  

I didn’t tell anybody about my decision, nor did I know anyone in the communications department besides Ms. Freed, who had the herculean task of making me a good public speaker.  Immediately after my major change, I had to register for classes. Dr. Nanney was the first professor to sit with me and go over my classes and my future career. He was a perfect introduction to the program for me. He wasn’t too serious but had a calm air about him that let you know he knew what he was doing—it made me feel confident about my future in the department and excited for what’s to come.  

I want to thank the first three people that were my friends in the department.  

First is Ms. Tomi McCutchen, whose kindness was impossible to escape from and her boundless compassion for each and every person. Ms. Tomi not only showed me the ropes of actual journalism but introduced me to my new coworkers and now lifelong friends.  

Connor and Nate graciously met with me after a class one afternoon as I was hoping to join The Pacer as a sports writer, and we had the great opportunity to talk ball. Both fans of the Chicago Bears—made obvious by their jerseys—Connor and Nate were already friends, but they couldn’t have been more different from each other.  

Connor showed me how simple life can be, and I credit him with my decreased anxiety. He wasn’t afraid to say what he wanted, even if he didn’t think it through all the way. Some people shouldn’t live this way, but for Connor, it’s just right.  

Nate made me think through life more, not just at school but in the moments in between. Aside from me joking that he’s 80, his wisdom and support would’ve been sorely missed had we not met.

I want to thank Dr. Plotner, who instilled an attitude in the newsroom and throughout the staff that cannot be replaced. Despite just a year with The Pacer, her impact will be felt in newsrooms and organizations around the country as we go into the real world.  

Finally, I want to thank my friends that have helped me and our paper this year. Chloe, William, Ryleigh, Darby, Bryant, Bethany, Ethan, Miranda, Clarissa, Sarah, Erika, Marques, Adrianna, Bella, Cathleen, Gwen, Isaiah, Izzy, Ja’Tyria, Kaniya, Keenan, Lauren, Madison, Martin, Miracle, Rose, Sophia and Ella. 

Thank you all—you are amazing.  

The work starts now. Bye.