As I type this at the last minute, because Procrastination is my middle name and as a journalist I thrive on deadlines, I am overwhelmed with a sense of relief, sadness, happiness and “holy crap, this thing (graduation) is actually happening.”
When I first transferred here to UTM, I was unsure of what direction I was going to wind up going. I had thought about Communications, as that’s what my major was when I originally started college. I was nervous, as I had no idea where my classes were located or how to print from the library printer. With some time and effort, I eventually figured these great mysteries out, and so much more.
Over time, I got involved on campus with various organizations and did some things I never thought were possible. I have had some amazing opportunities here on campus, from being an exchange student in London, working in University Relations as their intern, to putting together a major journalism conference on campus and being the inaugural winner of the Office of Student Organizations Student Leader of the Year award. I look back in amazement, and sometimes disbelief, that I was able to accomplish these activities.
I’d like to take a moment to thank a few people who have assisted me in my journey from the scared transfer student I came in as, to the confident and ready to take on the world graduate I have (almost) become:
Andrew Carr – Thank you for getting me through my math class. You are going to be a fantastic math professor and I wish you well.
University Relations – Thank you for an amazing internship experience. I will miss the Food Days and the office camaraderie that we shared.
The Communications Department – Thank you for being my second home and giving me the tools I need in order to be successful outside the walls of UTM.
All the sports teams – Thank you for being such a joy to cover during my time at The Pacer. I have enjoyed covering various sports and watching the maturity and growth of various players and teams on campus. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors on and off the field. #GoSkyhawks!
Chadashra Van Horn – Things have certainly changed in the last few years for you, and for the better. From London and measuring Stonehenge, to being an ear when we both needed it, I can’t thank you enough for your friendship.
Sheila Scott – You are going to make one hell of an exec next year. Your organization, dedication and energy are already an asset and they will be that much more next year.
Mary Jean Hall – You are an amazing friend and I can’t thank you enough for your friendship. Bonfires, road trips, porch libations, Callie, Mango and Martini time are all memories I will cherish.
Mary Lynn Williams – You, my dear, are going to be a fantastic sports reporter. I am looking forward to seeing you on the sideline in the near future. Remember to shut your brights off when driving on road trips.
Bradley Stringfield – It has been an interesting year, and we work well as a team, even if we are picking at each other all the time. You are going to make a great English teacher in the future.
Justin Glover – I’m looking forward to seeing you blossom as a writer and taking over the sports editor position in the future. I’ll be keeping up with you online.
Melanie Young – Thank you for steering me in the right direction, even though we both knew it was going to be Communications all along. You are a wonderful adviser, and I know you will take some more students under your wing and guide them to the right career path.
Tomi – I don’t know where to start and I don’t think a few sentences are going to cut it here. You have been an amazing mentor, friend and confidante, and I can’t thank you enough. You will always be my favorite crazy cat lady.
Katie and Doug – You two are utterly adorbz. Thank you for the opportunity in Student Organizations and your friendship.
Dr. Hoyer – Thank you for pushing me in the right direction with PRSSA. I hope the chapter continues to flourish as it has in the last few years.
Dr. Collard – Your interpersonal class has taught me so much in the last few weeks. I’m hoping to be able to impart some of this new knowledge into my life.
Dr. Ogg – Thank you for believing in me and giving me a second chance all those semesters ago.
Dad and Debbie – Thank you for the opportunity to finish my education. I hope I have made you proud. I love you both.
Mom – In the classic words of Pink Floyd, I “wish you were here.” I hope I have made you proud as well. I love you and miss you.
I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few people, and just in case, thank you.
I’d like to share some advice with you, if you’ve made it this far in this story. First, get involved with an organization on campus. There are over 120 of them on campus, and there is something for everyone. My only regret is not getting involved sooner on campus.
Second, step out of your comfort zone. This is the time to do it. Dye your hair funky colors (I dyed mine purple!), take a challenging class (Astronomy, FTW!), study abroad in a foreign country (I miss London!), make new friends and challenge yourself as an individual. You are stronger than you think you are in so many ways.
Next, remember that all the stress you are feeling with exams and final projects coming up is temporary. You will look back in a few weeks and wonder how you got through it in one piece.
Finally, enjoy your time here. Enjoy watching The Price Is Right between classes, taking naps at 2 p.m. and eating cereal for dinner. Adulting is fun sometimes!
I know I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at UTM. From working in the press box and press row, taking various road trips and cheering in the stands at various sporting events, to going to conferences with groups I was involved in and stepping outside of my comfort zone.
I will miss seeing the trees bloom in the spring and the leaves flutter to the ground in the fall once I’m gone. I won’t miss the late nights of studying, doing projects and not sleeping, although I will probably experience them in another capacity once I am working.
Thank you, UTM. It’s been a great experience.
