It’s funny how a few short weeks ago I was dying to be done with my undergraduate career. Literally dying would be pushing it, but I was pretty close to dying. I was stressed out, strung out on little sleep and starving for what my life after graduation would be like. In the wise words of my mother, I was focusing more on what was to come instead of what was happening. As the semester wraps up and I’m watching many things come to an end, I’m dying for the semester to last a little longer.
When I first joined the newspaper staff as a reporter, I never imagined what it might lead to. I’ve met the most impactful people of my life. I know that seems drastic, but the friends I’ve made and the professors I’ve had very much changed my life. I’d like to start with my friends, the friends I made because of the newspaper. I don’t think I would have survived the past couple of semesters without them. Plain and simple. I mean, I’m a little crazy now but I’d be worse off if they hadn’t been around. They’ve made me laugh so hard I’ve cried, made me so mad that I’ve cried, stressed me out so much that I’ve cried. Basically I think I’ve cried a lot. And I’ll cry some more when I have to say goodbye to them and leave for graduate school at Boston University.
Boston University is a big move for me. It’s super scary, super intimidating and super awesome. I’ll have the chance to study international journalism and narrative writing. The program has fostered an atmosphere that reminds me of West Texas A&M University, and I already feel at home there. I have to thank my friends for this big step I’m about to take. They’ve pushed me to not underestimate my abilities and not be scared of what’s next. I’ve relied on their pep talks to encourage me and praises to make me think I can actually do this thing.
But my professors have done the same thing. I truly have an incredible appreciation for my professors. They have been invested in my future from the minute I stepped into their classroom. I’d particularly like to draw attention to my advisor, Dr. Butler Cain. I can’t tell you how many articles, papers, cover letters and personal statements he’s read for me. It’s because of this that my graduate school applications were a success. He has been patient as I’ve developed leadership skills and pushed me not only in my writing skills, but in learning more about journalism. He has also helped open my eyes to how big the world actually is through our study abroad trip. I have to thank him and Kim Bruce for helping me realize what I wanted to do in life. Kim made the first suggestion for me to work for the newspaper, and Butler has truly helped me grow into a successful student.
I’m so excited to see the new heights the newspaper will reach in the coming semesters. I know how great the staff is and will continue to be. I’ve already requested home delivery of the issue each week. So long WT, hello Boston.
