The last four years at UT Martin have been the best in my life so far, and while I hate that I have to say goodbye, I am excited to see what life brings after graduation.
I am not only having to say goodbye to the campus, but also to The Pacer, which I have been a part of for the last two years. I started out as just a regular staff member, but quickly moved up to Co-News and Features Editor (something I hadn’t really expected so fast). I have since moved into the position of Web and Features Editor, which I have truly loved doing.
Some of my favorite memories from looking back at my time here at UT Martin have been with The Pacer. One that especially comes to mind, and is one of the most recent ones, is when I went with The Pacer to the Southeast Journalism Conference in Thibodaux, Louisiana. It was an absolutely amazing experience that I won’t ever forget. I got to do so many new things on that trip, such as see new states and try new restaurants, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to go with.
Being a part of The Pacer was a major part of my time at UT Martin, and I don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t joined because it really helped me advance my writing and develop the skills I need to be successful after college. The only thing I regret is not joining sooner.
It is actually through The Pacer that I met my best friend, Callie, and I honestly don’t know where I would be without her. It is because of her, my fellow staff members, and my professors that I am where I am today and on the road that I am going down.
One of these people that I would like to give special thanks to is Ms. Tomi, who has been my adviser for the last four years. She was the one who originally talked me into joining The Pacer, and I am truly amazed at how much she has believed and supported me throughout my entire journey. She was one of the first ones to tell me to go for what makes me happy, and she never held me back from what she knew I could do.
So, thank you, Ms. Tomi, for everything you have done for me, and for helping me gain the confidence in my skills and abilities that I desperately needed but had sorely lacked before.
It’s crazy to think that just six months ago I had been in a completely different mindset. I used to be really nervous about graduating and having to take that next step into the “real world.” Now, though, through the help of my professors and the people in my life, I am for the first time completely excited about taking that next step, and I actually have a plan already lined out for after graduation.
One of my professors who has had a major influence in this is Mr. Freed. He was the one who first recommended for me to consider being a producer after I had come to him freaking out because I didn’t know what I wanted to do after graduation. After looking into it, I quickly realized that it was the perfect job for me and one that I would truly be happy doing. I also really appreciate how he has also always been willing to listen anytime I either need help or just to vent.
Mr. Freed, thank you for all of the advice that you have given me over the last few years, and helping me find out where I’m meant to be.
I would also like to thank Dr. Robinson for helping me find my current job, which is as a producer for WPSD Local 6 in Paducah. I am excited to go full-time with the station once I graduate, and I can’t wait to see how I will grow as a Producer.
Everyone in my life has helped me one way or another, so thank you to the people who have always believed in me, supported me, and helped prepare me for the next chapter in my life. I am glad to have been a part of The Pacer, and I can’t wait to see how the organization will continue to grow along with all the people in it.
I am sad to say goodbye, but it is like what Widow Tweed says in The Fox and The Hound, “Goodbye may seem forever, farewell is like the end, but in my heart is a memory and there you’ll always be.”
