At the end of my freshman year, I made the decision not to continue my journalism endeavors or join newspaper staff. Almost immediately, I realized it was the wrong choice. Even throughout my sophomore year, I still found myself lingering in Reeves’ room despite not being on staff, watching my friends grow into their roles in photography and writing and begin their own journeys in journalism. By the end of sophomore year, I finally handed Reeves a newspaper application, nervous that it would not even be considered among students who had never left the program.
On my first day in newspaper, Reeves told me he wanted help filling the final page editor position. As someone who barely knew how to write a story, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and far too nervous to ask for help, I stepped into both my first page and the beginning of my journalism journey. As the year went on, my opportunities only continued to grow, and I began taking on roles I never imagined I would have the chance to experience. My love for journalism grew with every story, every deadline, and every opportunity, and I realized this is what I want to do with my life. I want to share people’s voices, tell meaningful stories, and give a platform to those who do not always feel heard.
As I begin stepping into my journalism career in college, I cannot fully express my gratitude for The Dispatch and the opportunities this publication has given me. From Review Editor to News Editor to Objective Executive Editor, while also working to catch up after being a year behind, The Dispatch has taught me leadership, time management, communication, and confidence both inside and outside the classroom. More than anything, it gave me a place where I was able to grow into the person and writer I am today, and I will always be thankful for my time here.
To Reeves, I could not be more thankful for the opportunities you have provided me throughout my time on staff. I truly would not be where I am today in my love for journalism without an advisor who believed in me through every failure, struggle, and success, and for that I am beyond grateful. Thank you for letting Charlotte and I karaoke in class, “not” go to the gym, letting Audrey crash your class almost daily, giving me aux privileges in the halls, and putting up with all the chaos we caused during workdays. I will never forget my time at The Dispatch or the role you played in making it so meaningful. Thank you for trusting the random new girl enough to make her a page editor, it ended up changing my life more than you probably realize.
To Charlotte, I would’ve never guessed how close we would become on staff, you are truly an amazing worker and writer and I don’t think you know how much I look up to you within newspaper. I never knew I could meet such a welcoming and kind person and how lucky I am to call you my friend. I love every single long talk we have and having the pleasure to see you and talk to you every single day means more to me then you know. I love you so much and will miss you dearly, have the time of ur life at A&M and please don’t forget me.
To Caroline, From freshman year Digital Media, I never would have guessed how much that random girl would end up impacting my life. Having you by my side throughout these last four years has truly been one of the biggest blessings, and I have loved every moment of our friendship. You played such a huge role in my decision to join newspaper, and I have you to thank for helping me experience this paper and discover my love for journalism. From late-night drives, lunches, and deep talks to our junior-year obsession with HTeaO and forcing you to tan with me, every memory means so the world to me. I love you endlessly, and I cannot wait to watch you succeed at Cornell. I am so incredibly lucky to call you my best friend.
To Sav, Where do I even begin? I cannot put into words how much you mean to me. To think that from our very first interaction in 6th grade, you would still be by my side till the very end. I’ve always been able to count on you, especially during times when I felt like I had no one else. Whenever I was struggling or needed someone to talk to, you were always there without hesitation. No matter how little we hang out or how busy life gets, we can always run back to each other like no time has passed at all. Our friendship means the world to me, and I’m so grateful that we get to continue growing through life together. I love you endlessly.
