I can’t believe that my time has come to sit down at my laptop one last time for The Chronicle and write this piece. 

Three years, three e-board positions, countless articles and never ending deadline days — I’ve made it to the other side with no regrets. 

I was once a terrified little freshman, ready to take on the award-winning college newspaper that is The Quinnipiac Chronicle. My first article was a double byline with my best friend, Grace. We thought we did so great covering that tote bag painting event. Little did we know, the editors would rip it to shreds and we would feel terrible because we didn’t think we were good enough. 

I took that disappointment and I turned it into passion. I wanted to make it in this organization — I wanted it bad. Now here I am as the former Managing Editor, former Arts & Life Editor and former Associate Arts & Life Editor who did, in fact, make her mark on this organization. 

I held two positions this year — one as Managing Editor and one as acting Arts & Life Editor. I was helping run the organization as a whole, but also heading an entire section with the help of a newly appointed associate. Every minute was worth it, and I can gladly say I feel confident to take on whatever life throws my way professionally. 

To some, it looks like just a silly college newspaper. It was never just a silly college newspaper to me. 

I learned so many unforgettable life lessons in that media suite, and I have everyone on that editorial board to thank. We all found a home in those 12 pages, and certainly found a home within each other. Yes, we argued, we butted heads, but at the end of every Tuesday, we left the media suite a dynamic family. 

As managing editor, the experience is determined by who you work next to. The members of this managing board have never faltered, even during hard times. We have always been there for our team of editors and writers, this organization and each other. For me, they made my job a fun and exciting experience. This team, of the four most dedicated people I’ve ever met, had turned Chron from something I had to do, into something I wanted to do.

To Alex, the greatest mentor I’ve had in college, and the greatest Editor-in-Chief Chron has ever seen. You always believed in me since our very first interview together when I applied for Associate Arts & Life editor. You’ve taught me the ins and outs of being a student journalist, the strength it takes to run an organization and showed me true kindness along the way. Working alongside you these past three years has been such a blessing, I certainly couldn’t have done it without you. I will forever be grateful for our time as editors together and even more grateful for our friendship. 

To former Creative Director Tyler, who fixed my layout every week this year, thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. Thank you for being a reliable colleague and friend, even though I was a pain in the ass every Tuesday. You never failed to show up for this organization despite a busy schedule outside of it, you will forever have my respect and I’m so excited to watch you succeed in the future. 

To former Marketing Director Emily, who matched my energy on a whole other level. I don’t know what I would have done without someone else who had the same amount of sarcasm as me. You have never failed to make me laugh and I have loved watching you grow this organization with your talent and drive. Every moment spent with you is a moment never wasted. I can’t wait to see what you do in the professional world, I know you’ll do amazing things.

To Ava and Sophie who I happily pass my batons to. You two have been such an inspiration, it’s been an incredible experience watching you grow as writers and editors. I know you two will do great things for this organization, I have so much faith in you guys. 

And to the new Editor-in-Chief, Claire, I am so incredibly proud of you and the woman you’ve become in this organization. I have never seen determination quite like yours. My advice to you is don’t be afraid to make noise. Make people angry, make people put in the work and make people earn your respect. You have what it takes.

Above all, my biggest thank you goes out to my daddy who read every article I wrote. He was my biggest supporter in anything I did, but losing him this past Dec. made me want to give up. I didn’t want to write anymore, I didn’t want to put in the work, but nonetheless, I did. 

I did it while grieving, I did it stressed, I did mentally and physically exhausted — I did it. I showed up, never missing a day, pushing through to make him proud and I will continue to do that with everything I set my mind to. I have never been more proud to have his last name in every single one of my bylines and on my first degree come May 9.

The biggest lesson I learned in this organization is to do it anyway. Do it no matter your mood, no matter what you’re dealing with. In the end, you’ll feel accomplished — just like me. 

Nobody can take this feeling away from me and I have only myself to thank for persisting.