I’m writing this after my final meeting, sobbing in my bed. Saying goodbye really is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, but I am so blessed to say that it hurts this much to let something go. It’s torture.

Before I get into the origin story cutscene, I need to thank a few people right off the bat, though that’s what most of this is going to be.

Hey Gramps. I know you’re reading this. For those who don’t know, despite my talking about him more than I can remember, my Gramps is one of the best men in my life. He’s never fallen short when it comes to my sisters and me, and I’m incredibly lucky to have his support. Gramps, know that even if I don’t respond to every text, or I don’t see you as much as I wish I could, I love you. More than I have words to express.

Next, on a less sentimental note, my guy, Gage. Friggin. Skidmore. Do I know Mr. Skidmore personally? Nope. But you’ve probably seen his attribution on my political pieces, as his free photos on Wikimedia Commons have been used for the past three years. Thanks, king.

Anyway, let’s take it back to when I first got here.

I’ll admit: I wasn’t excited to go to the Engagement Fair. I was required to go to it for my First-Year Seminar class. Little did I know that this was going to be a butterfly effect.

Aug. 30, 2023. The day of the fair was the day that former Opinion Editor AJ Newth handed me a “Beat Yale” poster. She asked me if I liked to write, and I said yes. Well, AJ, I hate to break this to you, but I was BSing a lot of it.

To be honest, I did like writing, but at this point in time, I didn’t realize how much.

Throughout high school, believe it or not, I was not an academic person. It’s crazy now, looking back. How different that version of me was from this version of me now.

I knew I wanted to switch it up when I got to college, so when I met AJ and the other Opinion Editor Mike LaRocca, I took the chance to make that switch. They, along with former Editor-in-Chief Katie Langley, allowed me to do so. This switch was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.

I was insanely involved in extracurriculars in high school, but that’s because I never found a place that was truly my own. I was doing it to stay busy and to make other people happy. It was never my place.

I joined The Chronicle on a whim; something was pulling me to it, and I couldn’t leave the Quad without going to that table.

I’ll stop talking about high school in a second. But I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t take the chance to thank three very important people, who shaped who I was before I stepped foot on this campus.

Science teacher, and one of my father figures, Scott Percival. You helped me navigate life, and were a parent to me when you didn’t have to be.

Civics teacher Erin Killilea, whose class taught me to find my passion in politics and political science. You became a role model.

English teacher Craig Southard. You never had me as a student, and I don’t even know if you remember this, but right before COVID-19, when I was a freshman in high school, you brought a few other students and me to CCSU to speak with journalism professors and professionals.

You don’t know this, but that was one of the most defining moments in my life. I never forgot it throughout high school, and when I saw that small table at the engagement fair that said “The Quinnipiac Chronicle,” I thought of that trip and said, “It’s now or never.” I owe you so much.

When I first joined The Chronicle, I had no idea what I was even going to write. I mean, I had no journalistic experience whatsoever. Nonetheless, I was welcomed with open arms by my original editorial board, who I will never forget.

Katie, former Managing Editor Ben Yeargin, former Creative Director Peyton McKenzie and former Digital Managing Editor Jack Muscatello. You guys were my first insight into what good leadership looks like. I remember looking up at you all in awe. I was shy and quiet when I first came into Chron, but the warmth you all projected allowed me to grow out of that girl who felt so scared to try something new, and into a role that allowed me to take one step closer to my potential.

Former News Editor Cat Murphy. What a star you are. You left behind a legacy I could only ever wish to emulate. The power that you hold makes me so proud to say I worked with you. You also taught me to chase the buzz (pun intended) of pushing buttons to get the answers people deserve.

AJ. You guided me through everything, and you were everything I wanted to be. Your light is indescribable, and it would be an injustice to the world if you were to ever change.

Mike. Thank you for being a mentor and friend. Your kindness was not unnoticed.

You both raised me to become someone worthy of this org. You were with me for my first Opinion controversy, one that shall not be named… but what a time. Definitely prepared me for the last couple of weeks. (Hey, Title IX office.)

Filling the shoes of AJ and Mike was nearly impossible, and it took a while to even come close. I fell short so many times. Thank you to Ben Busillo, who was able to hold down the fort, even when I couldn’t.

By some miracle, my Editor-in-Chief , Alexandra Martinakova, decided to take a chance on me.

Hey Alex. I can’t really get through this without tearing up. Go ahead and call me “dramatic” as you do. You’ve been here with me since the beginning. You have become not only a leader, but a friend. You’ve seen me laugh until I can’t breathe, and cry when I’m at my worst. Most of what I’ve learned is because of you.

Former Managing Editor Gina Lorusso. My genie weenie. Please never change. I don’t know what this organization is going to do without their comedians, but knowing Associate Photography Editor Lily Zahka and Associate Sports Editor Emily Marquis, I think it’s in good hands. You’d better continue to send me TikToks and Reels at 6 a.m. while you’re getting jacked. Don’t forget to keep that mouth open, and never give a singular gaf.

Former Marketing Director Emily Adorno, former Copy Editor Amanda Dronzek and former Social Media Editor Lis McMahon. Y’all are some of the funniest and most inspiring people I’ve ever met. You are all such amazing people by yourselves, but then you all come together and it’s like Quinn, Brittany and Santana.

Former Creative Director Tyler Mignault. You are such a gift to The Chronicle, and a gift to all of us. I think I speak for everyone when I say we could not have done a majority of the things we’ve accomplished this year without you. You have the ability to make everyone’s visions, and your own, come to life. It’s a rare trait, but one you undoubtedly have.

Former Multimedia Production Editor Quinn O’Neill. You are a prime example of other types of media, besides writing, being just as important in print journalism. Your talent and contributions added so much to this team, and I know you’ll go far.

Former Design Editor Kat Parizkova. When May 9 comes, and we close our neighboring doors for the last time, I’ll be a mess. Thanks for letting me do basically whatever I want with my graphics. Alex may not be happy, but I sure am. How else could I have made Boomer have hairy toes, and get as close as I was to making Bryon Noem’s big boob pictures?

Managing Editor Ava Highland. You have a special place in my heart, and you always will. Poor first-year Ava couldn’t escape me. I was your honors mentor, then your peer catalyst, and now I’m so blessed to be able to be your friend.

Editor-in-Chief Claire Frankland. I watched you grow from Contributing Writer to EIC. That experience was nothing short of amazing. You are going to allow this organization to grow. I’m so excited to watch it from a distance.

I know you both are going to lead this team with that fire that I love so much. Not to be egotistical, but I think we, along with Gina, ate down as an all-female section head team. I am so proud of both of you, and watching you grow over these two years has been one of the most amazing experiences of my time here at Quinnipiac.

My dearest, sweetest, newer friends. Sports Editor Cooper Woodward, Arts & Life Editor Sophie Murray, Lily Zahka, Emily Marquis, Marketing Director Taylor Huchro, Creative Director Ryley Lee, Multimedia Production Editor Harper Ferraro, Copy Editor Anthony Angelillo and Associate News Editor Chloe Grant. You guys were the best additions to happen to The Chronicle since I started. No world exists in which this team would be the same without you guys in it. The only gripe I have with you all is that you weren’t here sooner, and my time with you is limited. I am so proud of you all; there are not enough words in the AP Stylebook to tell you just how much.

You may not see my name in the newspaper anymore, but you can always find my name on your phone. Don’t be a stranger, and don’t hate me when I come back like an annoying alumnus. It just breaks my heart to say goodbye, so I’m giving you a heads up: this is not that. If you ever need anything, I am one phone call away. I will always, always answer.

And to the newest additions. Copy Editor Cayden Stewart, Associate Design Editor Lily Mirabella and Copy Editor Adriana Cerbone. You guys are going to do amazing things. I have no doubt. Lily, I’ve had the privilege of being close to you outside of The Chronicle. And Adriana, as I sat with you the other day, I was so upset that we only got one day together.

Last but not least, Opinion Editor Joanna Farrell and Associate Opinion Editor Vivi Gage. I’m going to tell you the same thing that AJ told me in her senior sendoff: “The future of Opinion is yours, you got this!” You both are the Opinion section now, and it could not be in better hands. I can’t wait to witness you guys tackling this brutal world with your passion and heart.

Before I say goodbye. I have some last minute opinions that need to be said. Ahem.

“Edging” should be in normal everyday vocabulary for when you’re teasing someone with information you can’t tell them.

The “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy are some of the best movies of all time. Forget about the smut, they’re action movies.

Ok, back to business.

To my team, the family I gained three years ago, I love you all. Thank you for being you. I’m going to miss you, our 3 a.m. Google Doc conversations, conversations that begin with “off the record” and top secret things we’re not supposed to know.

To The Chronicle. Thank you for everything you’ve given me. Before I was here, I was just a girl who was struggling to find a solid group of friends, a purpose and joy. There was once a time when I prayed to, begged and pleaded with whoever would listen, for a list of things. All of which The Chronicle has given me: friends, joy, laughter and my spark. It hurts so bad to let go, but I’m grateful I have something to let go of to begin with.