Editor Megan Moore and Associate Editor Alyssa Bonner are both graduating this semester from West Texas A&M University. The Prairie has been such an important part of both of our collegiate careers. Without our time on staff, we wouldn’t be headed where we are after graduation on May 16.

Though it is a bittersweet time for us, we are thankful for all of the experiences and memories at WT and in the Mass Communication department. We have learned a lot both in and outside of the classroom, and it couldn’t have happened without all of the professors and advisers giving up their time to make sure we have the tools to be successful professionals.

Dr. Trudy Hanson, head of the Department of Communication, is one of the students’ biggest fans. She always supports us in whatever it is we are doing, and she takes the time to make sure we know how much she appreciates our hard work. She is the glue of the entire department, and without her, we as students wouldn’t have half the amount of opportunites that we do.

Our professors have also played a vital role in our academic success. Traditionally, a professor is someone who teaches a college course. They provide instruction on a given subject, assign homework, administer tests and visit with students in office hours.

Professors help students understand the course content to ensure their success in the class. They answer any questions students may have about their course content, and they make sure students have access to them for additional help if needed. Our professors are wonderful, and they’re always willing to help us out with anything we need.

However, our professors are different than the “traditional” professors we see in movies or at larger universities. The professors in the Mass Communication department at WT go above and beyond for us, both in and outside of the classroom.

Our professors don’t just teach. Each and every one of them also plays an active role in our academic careers outside of the classroom, whether it be the coordinator of the graduate program or the adviser of one of our student/professional organizations.

Being at a smaller university, we are able to form more of a relationship with our professors than students at larger universities, which enhances our experience. They critique our work, give us interview tips when it’s time to apply for jobs, review our resumes and brag on us on social media.

They travel with us to competitions, write letters of recommendation, help us apply to graduate schools and make sure we have everything completed in order to graduate.

Though several professors help us with all these things, they are still professors. They go above and beyond for us every day, and we are so grateful for their support and encouragement.

There is one professor in particular, though, who has played an even bigger role for us at The Prairie. Our adviser, Dr. Butler Cain, has been vital in our success as Editor and Associate Editor, as well as our success as students and young professionals. He has pushed us, encouraged us, taught us and challenged us in every way possible.

He has taught us what journalism is about and what it means to be an ethical journalist. He points out our errors, not to be negative, but to show us what we could have done better to prevent the error.

He praises us when we do great things, and he constantly acknowledges the work we put in behind the scences.

Because of him, we have had opportunities to travel to professional conferences at which we have learned from other professionals, presented sessions and won professional awards. He has done everything in his power to ensure that we are successful when we graduate, and we will always be thankful for the role he has played.

To Dr. Hanson, Dr. Cain and the entire Mass Communication faculty, thank you for everything.