When reading a letter I wrote to myself in August of my freshman year, I had told myself ‘I hope you get at least one story published in the paper,’ to think that I have now had 18 papers worth of stories, art, graphics, design, and photos is unfathomable. This program has been incredibly important to my growth as a person and a writer, artist and leader. I am so thankful for all of the incredibly important skills I have learned as a part of this paper. Thanks to the incredible rigor of this program I was able to push myself in ways that prepared me to enter the world with empathetic leadership, journalistic and collaborative skills. All in all, I am incredibly proud of these past 3 years and I will take everything I’ve learned in this program with me as time passes. 

To mom and dad:

Thank you for always supporting me, I could not have done this without you both. You are the two people who see it all, the late nights, the weekdays bleeding into weekends and the endless perfectionism that keeps me at one piece of art or paragraph for hours. Through all of it you are the people who always inspire me and believe in me even when it feels like it’s hard to find that. Considering the circumstances of the past few years, I don’t think I could have been as successful as I am without your continued support and belief in me. You guys have been incredibly essential in my success on this newspaper. 

To my best friend: 

Capri, I could absolutely have not gotten through the past few years without you. You’re my biggest cheerleader and you have always been there for me through all the crazy newspaper adventures. It’s been so fun to work with you on the paper these past few years, I can’t wait to go on to the next adventure with you. I know we can get through any challenges if we have each other’s backs. I love you so much and I’m so proud of the work you’ve done jumping in a year later than the rest of us. You have such a talent as a writer and I can’t wait to see how you’ll apply it in the future. 

To my little newsies: 

Gracie, Thia and Alice; thank you guys for bringing in a little slice of community into this room, you guys always make me feel like I’m at home when I’m in this class. I am so so proud of y’all’s growth as journalists in the past year and although I won’t be here next year to answer your questions I will be one call or text away (and only a few miles away). I can’t wait to read your stories and hear about all the wonderful things you all are accomplishing next year. You guys are a ray of sunshine in this newspaper room and I am incredibly grateful I have been able to support you, teach you and lead you. I love you all and I am so so so proud of you!

To Diego and Kate: 

I’m so, so proud of ya’lls growth in the past year! I’ll miss our shenanigans in the back of the class, but I have no doubt that ya’ll will make the absolute best of next year. You guys are both amazing writers and you’ve picked things up so, so easily and I have faith that ya’ll will make amazing pages next year. Thank you for making me laugh this past year and bringing some silly fun to this class. You guys are awesome!! Love ya!

To Gabby and Audrey: 

Thank you both for being my rock last year. You were always a very grounding support when I felt like this class was driving me a little crazy. You guys were and are both such empathetic, smart, and talented human beings and you are going to do amazing things. I just know it. Thank you for always giving me a good laugh and being amazing co-EICS, you brought a flair to this program that we really needed and you both always inspired and encouraged me to push myself to excellence! Thank you so much. 

Mr. Reeves, 

Thank you for providing me with the skills and the outlet to pursue journalism that really meant something to me. Being a part of this program has really really been impactful to my future and is going to really prepare me for the future. Being able to report on important and impactful issues under your guidance and advising has been really special and an experience I am incredibly grateful for. Thank you for everything these past few years. 

Finally, 

Thank you to everyone who has made an impact on my time in this program. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities I have received through my participation in this program, and I will never forget my time here! Goodbye Dispatch!