The time has come for me to bid adieu to my beloved university and my beloved position.
I came to UAlbany in January 2016 after two and a half years at community college. I had no idea what I was going to meet when I walked on the podium for the first time. I was scared, unsure, unconfident and meek. The flames of journalism were warm but I had no idea how much my entire persona would wrap around this career. I made the front page of my school paper once and made it in there twice more. Then, fall semester came and everything changed.
I met my best friends during the fall 2016 semester. One of them convinced me to join Odyssey. I wrote at least an article every single week for over a year, trying to make my mark in the world. Through Odyssey, I was able to obtain a spot on a local newspaper, blogging five times a week. I met a group of dedicated, hilarious people who helped one another and made sure everyone performed at their top potential. Somehow I fit right in like family. These people are family now.
I kept going with the help of my best friends. As my friendships grew stronger, my skills were flourishing even more. Before I knew it, I was being told I was a top prospect in my major. My best friends were right beside me, beating deadlines left and right. Together, the three of us in the journalism major were completely transforming everything about ourselves; we worked hard, we laughed even harder. For every fun night where it looked like we were doing nothing, there were days of insane hours that nobody saw.
The past year has been insane. We've improved and made ourselves into marketable journalists. We have all been promoted into editors. Even more, the three journalists have turned into the three musketeers, as an unbreakable bond has formed that cannot be broken no matter the distance or time.
I graduate at the end of the month and move onto my first reporter job. My best friends have more time here. I'll be here as much as I can to see them, but things are about to change.
This is my last article. I've learned a lot as a writer and contributing editor for Odyssey. I've totally changed as a UAlbany student. In this time, I've gone from a feeble young girl to a woman who is no longer afraid to speak her mind.
UAlbany, thank you for two years. Thanks for the nachos, the rice bowls, the life advice, the training and for giving me some of the best friends I'll ever have.
Odyssey, thanks for the past year and two months. I'm forever grateful for the lessons I've learned, the experience I've gained and the people I've met.
Off I go to Neverland. I've never been more ready.