I honestly thought I wouldn’t make it to this point.
Over the past four years, it seemed like I would never make it to the final two weeks of my second senior semester. I went to class, went on adventures on and off campus and basically lived life. It wasn’t until the past two weeks when I turned in my senior portfolio, purchased my graduation gown and cap and drove through the senior drive-thru that I realized that my university career is coming to an end. Now here I am, writing my senior farewell on my last Pacer layout night.
While I am glad that I can finally fly from the nest and soar towards my future, I can never forget the people that helped me get to this point of my life.
First, I want to thank The Pacer staff, both past and present, and Ms. Tomi for helping me yield my skills to become a better columnist, copy editor, journalist and person. My 2015 self is truly grateful.
I want to thank my fellow broadcasting peers, Dr. Robinson, Mr. Freed, Mr. Conner and the WLJT-DT production crew for helping me craft the skills necessary for success in broadcast production. Though I worked for news-editorial, the broadcast sequence was always there to support me.
Along with these thanks, I must throw a shout-out to my Japanese professor, Ms. Kyoko Hammond, and my fellow Japanese-learning students for making the Japanese classes fun, enlightening and beneficial. I must also thank my Japanese friends both on campus and abroad in Fukuoka, especially Makoto and my host sister Mariya, for tutoring me and laughing with me when I made mistakes. 私はすべてを感謝し、ありがとうございました！７時！
Finally, I want to thank my friends and family. My family may not have agreed with every opinion column that I wrote, but that never stopped them from supporting and loving me to the fullest. To Tevin, my boyfriend of over six years, I thank you the most for supporting me through the highs and lows the past four years. God has truly blessed me!
As I prepare for finals week and finish the ton of paperwork needed for my future job abroad with the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, I will cherish the memories more and will always show my gratitude for everyone. May 5 cannot come soon enough!
