My time at UTM is coming to an end, and it’s safe to say that these last four years in Martin have changed the trajectory of my life in a positive way.
However, I don’t really like talking about myself, so I’ll instead use this space to thank everyone who helped me along the way.
My parents and immediate family are the reason I’ve made it this far. Without their support, there’s no way I’d be graduating college. It’s safe to say that if they didn’t encourage me to go to college that I’d be working in a factory or in the military. Instead, they sent me on my way to Martin to better my future, a chance that they didn’t have when they were my age. My parents worked extremely hard to provide a good future for myself and my sister, and though one day I’ll pay them back for my schooling, the best way to thank them would be to put my education to good use. To my parents and grandparents, I hope I made you all proud.
My supervisor at The Pacer and former advisor Mrs. Tomi and my current advisor Dr. Baxter were the best influences I could’ve had at UTM. Mrs. Tomi got me on board The Pacer way back in the fall of 2017, and since then, it’s been a constant for my college career since. I’ve met some awesome co-workers and had the chance to make some money doing what I love: writing, especially about sports. Mrs. Tomi helped keep me on the right track from my freshman year until now.
Dr. Baxter is hands down my favorite professor. I’ve had him for the majority of my political science courses, including my favorite courses in Constitutional Law and Administrative Law, and he helped pique my interest in the discipline. Dr. Baxter was also a vital influence in helping me prepare for law school.
To Mrs. Tomi and Dr. Baxter, thank you for all that you’ve done to help me during my time at UTM. No words can express my respect and gratitude for both of you.
Like I’ve said before, The Pacer has given me some of the best co-workers I’ve ever had. The old sports editor Matt, whom I met my freshman year, got me interested in my current position. Two other executive editors I’ve worked with in the past, Rachel and Sarah, both influenced me to have a solid work ethic. All of my current co-workers are fantastic journalists and people, and I know they’ll continue the great work going forward.
I joined my fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, late in the fall of 2017 and it became the brotherhood that I never had growing up. SigEp has given me some of the best friends I could’ve ever asked for and some great professional connections as well. I joined with the idea of meeting people and becoming a better man – two goals that I’ve certainly accomplished. Things haven’t always been easy with the chapter, but I wouldn’t trade my time in it for anything.
Thanks to all of the people and groups I have mentioned, I was able to fulfill my dream of going to law school. This fall, I will be pursuing a Juris Doctor at Lincoln Memorial University. Without the support of everyone I’ve listed, this wouldn’t have been possible. Hopefully, I’ll be able to be an Air Force Judge Advocate and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation employee in the coming years.
I’ll always be a Skyhawk.
