Andy Rooney, one of the most influential journalists of our time and times before, has worked on television since its birth, but he was always insistent on one fact: he was simply a writer.

On his farewell to CBS’s “60 Minutes,” he said in his last segment, “My Lucky Life,” “This is a moment I’ve dreaded. I wish I could do this forever; I can’t though. But, I am not retiring; writers don’t retire, and I will always be a writer.”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGci9ec4BDA[/youtube]

Well, I am only 22 and unlike Mr. Rooney, I am just getting started. But, as far as my time with the Chronicle, the time has come to say goodbye and I leave here with two things I know for certain: this was never about luck, and I really do wish I could do this forever.

I have worked for this newspaper for only two semesters, moving from an eager staff writer to news editor, and in that time, I believe I have gained the most valuable journalism education that is possible to leave this university with. In these very pages, I evolved from a timid and unsure writer to someone who is proud to show her work. I know exactly who is to thank for that change, and it is my fellow writers and editors. You all gave me a shot that I did not deserve, and I thank you.

I know this is the part when I am supposed to leave you all with some advice that I have collected over the past four years. All I have to offer is the advice to be the writer of your own story at Quinnipiac. Although joining an organization your senior year may be viewed as unconventional, I know wholeheartedly that this is exactly what I was supposed to do. I encourage everyone to seek out their passion and never be hesitant by the feelings of not being good enough, because with a little hard work, you can be great.

In my sixth-grade yearbook I wrote that when I grow up, I want to be a journalist. Now here I am, 10 years later, graduating with a degree in print journalism and writing my farewell to this publication that I can proudly say was an unmatchable life experience. I can hardly believe it.

As my name disappears from the bylines of these pages, I am uncertain of what path I will be taking and what lies ahead of me for my future. Hey, maybe I’ll end up on TV like Rooney. But there is one thing I know for sure: I am, and always will be, a writer.