I bought my first camera, a Canon Rebel T5, when I was in seventh grade. I had saved up birthday and Christmas money for years to afford it. I remember my mom driving me to the store and standing with me as the Target employee unlocked the display case for a 12-year-old. That moment marked the beginning of my journey with photography.

Photography quickly became my emotional outlet. I would take photos of everything, and since I did not know how to download them to my computer, I made sure to print each one. I kept this passion alive all through high school and into college. During my sophomore year of college, I met Ashton Woodruff, a photographer for The Appalachian, and my predecessor.

Ashton encouraged me to join the paper, and when I finally did in September of my junior year, I realized photojournalism was my true calling. Through this experience, I’ve grown not only as a photojournalist but also as a person. The friendships I’ve formed through this organization are some of the most important in my life. This year, especially, would not have been possible without the support of my amazing colleagues.

I want to thank my incredible leaders — Jenna Guzman, Ethan Batchelor, Kaitlyn Close, Siri Patterson and Vivian Parks — for helping me through every crash out. To my visual family, Kayla (mother) Masterman and my siblings Rian Hughes, Chloe Pound, Emily Simpson, Gabe Plitt and Sully Styles, for keeping me motivated and inspired. To the entire Ed Board and the photo desk for the laughs and late nights.

As I graduate and begin my journey into a Master of Arts at UNC-Chapel Hill, I know this organization will always hold a special place in my heart and I am forever grateful for my Appalachian baddies.