Not a goodbye, simply a see-you-later

Writing a farewell column is a first.

I remember coming in as a shy, intimidated transfer student with  determination to be an English major. One semester later, I decided that journalism was far more my speed. Another semester went by, and I got up the courage to come to a meeting at the Tropolitan.

My journey with the Trop has been short, but sweet. In the two semesters I’ve been writing for the opinion section, I have learned so much and gained so many new friends that it makes me wonder why I didn’t try this sooner.

To all of the staffers, thank you for welcoming me into the group with open arms. Thank you for the laughter and the memories.

Ngoc Vo, congratulations on becoming the editor-in-chief. I am so proud of you and all of your accomplishments.

Thank you for teaching me to write for the opinion column. Thank you for always being there when I needed a friend or encouragement. I promise that this is not a goodbye, simply a see-you-later.

I also promise to use Facebook less, and text more for you.

I also want to say thank you to Steve Stewart, who has been a steward of my learning for over a year now. I have learned so many things from you, and look up to you as an adviser and friend.

You are one of the many reasons that Troy University has become my second home.

Thank you for always making me feel welcome, always listening to my concerns and helping me in any way that you can. I know that I am ready to take on the world because of your diligent guidance.

Also a huge thank-you to Ava Tabb for being one of my more challenging teachers. You’ve taught me to rise above and strive for greater. I feel that my technology skills are greater because of you. (Students, if you get to take Advanced Tech with Tabb, do it. It’s really hard, but really worth it.)

Thank you for speaking to me that day in that classroom when I felt like I couldn’t ever write for the Trop. You were right.

To all of my sources over the last year, thank you. I know I probably pestered some of you to death with questions, but thank you because without you there would not be an article.

If I could leave one piece of advice for students, it would be to not be afraid. That’s the hardest thing in the world to do, I know.

Just take the chance. You never know what may happen. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

I know that it is because of all my teachers, all of my classes and all of my friends that I possess something more. I am more confident than I was as an incoming transfer, and I know that is something that will follow me for the rest of my life.

My Warrior Spirit will live on.

With Trojan love and pride.