When I joined The Columbia Chronicle in the fall of 2013, I was loud, scrappy and at times a little too outspoken.

Like many 19-year-olds in their sophomore year of college would, I acted defiantly of my student editors and sometimes struggled to admit my own faults.

Although my initial experience working at The Chronicle was overwhelmingly positive and educational, it became clear to me that I had some growing up to do before I could take on the professional environment of the newsroom.

This realization, paired with unforeseen financial circumstances, led to me taking a semester off from Columbia to move back home, where I worked full time saving money for college.

I spent the next eight months working two jobs at my local Olive Garden and Red Robin restaurants. Serving tables and dealing with angry customers was the wake-up call I needed before returning to Columbia the following fall semester and rejoining The Chronicle’s staff.

I was focused, determined and dedicated to making the most of The Chronicle’s opportunities by learning everything I could from the experience.

As I wrap up my final semester working at The Chronicle, it is only right that I recognize some incredibly special friends, mentors and co-workers who have supported me along the way.

It would not be right to recognize these people without first shouting out to my editor-in-chief and best friend of several years, Kyra Senese. 

Kyra, it’s difficult to put the amount of love I have for you into words. But I have had so much fun working alongside you and feel so fortunate to have shared this experience with my best friend. We have overcome so many challenges together, from increased pressures from the college administration and more limited access to information or sources. We’ve stuck together through all the highs and the lows, and this experience has only brought us closer as lifelong friends. It’s been a long, stressful yet rewarding year, and I can proudly say we slayed it.

Equally as supportive throughout this process were The Chronicle’s advisers: Chris Richert, Jeff Lyon, Stephanie Goldberg and Len Strazewski.

Chris, I admire you so much for your strong work ethic and big heart. You inspire me every day to grow as a person and never give up on chasing my dreams. Thank you so much for your endless support.

Jeff, you have been an amazing mentor, and I feel so lucky to have benefited from your journalistic wisdom. I have learned so much from you that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my career.

Stephanie, your innate curiosity and love for learning have always inspired me. From you, I have learned to think more critically and grown as a writer.

Len, this semester working together has been brief, but I have already taken so much from your wealth of knowledge and creative approach to journalism.

To my “Chron babies,” Megan Bennett and Lauren Kostiuk: I’ll never forget the special talk we had during that late-night Red Line ride (And thank you, Arabella, for sitting patiently through it). I really want you two to know that I meant every word I said that night. You have brought me some of my fondest memories of my time at The Chronicle, and you are both so talented and hardworking.  I take great pride in how much you both have accomplished and everything I have learned from working with you. 

Last, I need to give a the biggest of thanks to my mentor and friend Tyler Eagle. From the first time I set foot into The Chroncle’s office, you took me under your wing and never stopped supporting me. I have learned so much from you and will never forget all that you have done for me, even when I didn’t deserve it.

I may still be loud, determined and outspoken as I was three years ago, but I have learned from my Chronicle family how to channel those qualities into my journalistic reporting and writing.