The funny thing about college is that most of the time, you don’t know what you want to do with your life when you enroll. I certainly didn’t imagine pursuing a career in journalism when I walked into room 217 of the Plemmons Student Union four years ago. And yet, here I am. 

During my time here, I’ve learned a lot about journalism. I soon discovered the beauty of sitting down with a person and hearing their perspective, their hopes, and their aspirations. Through this, I’ve come to understand that we can learn a lot about each other if we only take the time to listen. We’re a lot more alike than we’ll ever know. 

At the same time, I’ve learned a lot about myself. The ever-changing tide of newswriting can be hectic, even overwhelming at times. One day, I’m combing through the archives, and the next, I’m running across campus to cover a breaking story. Through my experience with this organization, I’ve learned to cherish the calm before the storm. But when the storm rolls in — and believe me, it will — I’ve learned that even the greatest of storms must be endured. Thankfully, they will not be endured alone. 

Of all things to come from The Appalachian, I am most grateful to have met so many incredible people over the past four years and to be a part of this community — one from which I’ve developed lifelong friendships. To everyone I’ve worked with, I cannot thank you enough. 

I often like to imagine what my younger self would think of me now. Undoubtedly, she would have imagined some things to have panned out differently, as I’m sure we all would. But I also like to think that she would be proud of how far I’ve come. I’m still writing my life story — in fact, I’ve only just begun. However, I know that my time here has served me well, and that I’ll be able to walk into the next phase of my life more confident than when I first stepped into room 217. 

I always go over my assigned word count — it’s been a fault I’ve had with almost every story I’ve written, and this column is no different. But I’ll leave you with one final lesson I’ve learned here: Words hold power. They can do incredible things. Use them.