I have spent almost three years of my life on The Pacer staff, and I would not change a single second. This newspaper organization has given me a family, healed my heart and taught me more about journalism than I ever imagined.
To be completely honest, I started at UT Martin with an entirely different major than I have now. It took a year of college to find that I wanted to study Agriculture Business-Communications. When I realized this was the path for the rest of my life, I stopped at nothing to learn all I could about the communications industry. That point of my life, still a little scared and confused but ready to take on the challenges I would face, is where The Pacer comes in.
I remember sitting in one of my classes, looking through the newspaper website, trying to build up the courage to email Ms. Tomi about any open staff positions within The Pacer. To my surprise, she emailed back almost immediately, and the rest is history.
What I failed to realize at that point was that my life was about to change for the better. Over the next three years with this staff, I gained a community and a family. My debts to them and the support they provide could never be fully repaid.
Seeing that this is technically a “farewell,” it is only fitting that I extend a few thanks to those who have given me the support of a lifetime. First, and most importantly, I want to thank Ms. Tomi McCutchen. She put all her faith in me from day one and never doubted me for a second. As an adviser, lecturer, mentor and friend, she truly changed my life. She never fails to put her students’ needs above her own and I will always admire her for all she does. Ms. Tomi, thank you for quite literally all you have done for me. I hope one day I can be half the woman that you are. If I am, I know that I will have done something right. You have been such an inspiration and light in my life.
Secondly, I want to extend a special “thank you” to Sarah Cornwell, my girl, my go-to and someone who will always tell me how it is. Our friendship came from our time spent on this staff and I will forever cherish that. From our time stressing in the one-too-many marketing classes we decided to squeeze in a semester to our late-night talks about life (where too much delusion entered the conversation), I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart. You have become a sister more than a friend.
Lastly, I want to thank all the people that I have served with on this staff. Each person brings a different story and perspective to the table, and I have never felt more at home than I have with this staff. I have encountered so many laughs, tears and beautiful moments that kept me going at times I felt so down. This was an unexpected, yet life-changing family I gained. I could never fully express my gratitude for all the people on this staff that helped make me who I am.
Just to mention a few—Sarah T., thank you for being by my side since Pre-K. I have loved growing up and figuring out life alongside you. You have known me in all the pivotal and monumental phases of life. I could not have made it through so many trials of life without you. I love you so dearly!
J.J., you never fail to light up a room. Thank you for being the laugh and support I need on a tough day. Our friendship has been so fulfilling to me and I will always be right by you with all the support in the world.
Meke, I am just so proud to know you. We started this journey the same year and I have loved watching you blossom into not only our Executive Editor, but a creative and unique professional that I know will move mountains in this industry.
As much as I thought undergrad felt like a lifetime, it was over in the blink of an eye. As I reflect on this precious time of my life, I am filled with a sense of belonging and nostalgia. These four years at UT Martin and three with The Pacer have taught me how to truly be myself. Thank you for such a beautiful time and wild ride, UT Martin.
