Senior Farewell: Katlyn Griffis

The end is finally here and it is beautiful and stressful all at the same time.

The time has come for me to say my final goodbyes and pass along advice. My time here at UTM has been one filled with memories, stress and all of the emotions.   

I started at UTM because it was the only university, out of the two that I applied to, that sent me anything back and I actually liked the campus.

But the thing I liked the best about this place was the staff that always encouraged me in whatever I did, even if it meant me changing my major for the sixth time. I knew I finally found the right major when the assignments were work that I wanted to do for a living.

It’s strange to think about it now as I am trying to force myself to finish up this last semester and turn in my assignments on time. Even though I am stressing like crazy and have cried A LOT, I love what I am doing.

I think the only reason I love what I do is because I have found my people. I found these people in three main groups and I don’t know how I would have turned out without them.

The UTM Wesley Foundation has been a home for me since my freshman year and has seen the way I’ve changed, like getting to explore my faith and learn how to take control instead of being passive. Wesley has also allowed me to explore leadership possibilities and work alongside people I love.

The next place I found my people is within the Communications Department. Like I mentioned earlier, I changed my major six times. But in the end, I came back and never left. The work along the way hasn’t been easy and there have been times I went into Mrs. Tomi’s office asking for what I should do next. Overall, I love these crazy and strange people. They have their quirks, but at least they express it and try to be themselves.

I have also found some of my people within The Pacer staff.  I know I only worked here for a semester, but it has been one of the best yet. Staying up to 4 a.m. isn’t always ideal, but at least I did it alongside people I liked. I wish I would have joined sooner, but I’m happy with the time I’ve had.

There is a certain set of people that I’m extremely grateful for and they continued to push me to be the best.

Thank you to Mrs. Tomi McCutchen for being someone that advised me the whole way through. Not only with classes, but also in life.

Thank you to Professor Andrew Brown for encouraging me to pull out my best work and to not settle for anything less.

Thank you to Col. Dr. Jerald Ogg for putting up with me these past years. I know that I might be a pain at times, but there isn’t anyone else who I love to joke with and dress up as more for Halloween.

Also, thank you to Dr. Collard. I know I only had you for one class, but I thoroughly enjoyed class everyday and appreciate that you cared so much to remind us to put on our seatbelts.

There is one more person I would like to thank and it is Sabrina Exum. I’m glad I got to meet you this semester and build a relationship with you over having unlock The Pacer office because my card wouldn’t work.

You all have worked so hard to see me work towards the person I am today and the person you know I could be. It is because of y’all that I am prepared for the dream job I get to go work at after graduation.

Also, thank you to all my classmates.  I’m glad I got to work with you during the many projects we have done over the past few semesters. I’m also sorry that I was scatterbrained at times and didn’t know what was going on. You all are going to go on to do great things.  

Overall, thank you UTM for being the something I didn’t know I needed. Because of you, I can confidently say I am ready to soar.