Senior Farewells: Adele Henley

The final edition is here. I can hardly believe it. This entire semester, I have struggled to come to terms with the fact that it’s time to say goodbye. On December 12, I will be a graduate of Troy University, and what an experience it has been. 

If I could describe Troy in one word, it would be “opportunity.” Through this school, I have learned and grown so much, through good times and bad. I’ve made so many wonderful memories with so many wonderful people, and I’m truly saddened to have to let go. 

Contributed photo

Adele Henley poses in front of a news desk.

I have a lot of people to thank, so buckle up, y’all. To start, I’d like to thank the Hall School of Journalism and Communications. Here, I have seen my passion for journalism thrive, and it’s all thanks to the wonderful professors, peers and programs this school has to offer. 

 I may be a bit biased, but I think the HSJC has one of the top programs in the country, and I can see bright futures for all of my peers in the Tropolitan and TrojanVision. My professors have helped shape me into who I am today and have always been a safe place for me to go. 

I’d like to thank Dr. Robbyn Taylor, Dr. Hanna Cooper, Paige Ray, Aaron Taylor, Jeff Herring, Dr. Stefanie East and Dr. Ava Tabb. I’ll cherish the memories I’ve made in this school, and I know I’m prepared for whatever the world has for me because of your teachings. 

Of course, I can’t have a thank-you letter without my parents. You have seen me at my best and my worst moments in life, and yet you remain my biggest supporters. Mom, the reason I am where I am today is because I wanted to follow in your footsteps as a reporter. It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I hope I make you proud. Dad, thank you for being there for me and supporting me. It’s because of you that I was able to go to college in the first place, and I will forever be grateful. I love you both so much. (P.S. Dad, Winter is Coming.) 

To my sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota, thank you for providing me with a sisterhood and a home away from home. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed as hard as I have when I’m with you all. Thank you for accepting every part of me and loving me for being myself. You all are family to me, and saying goodbye to you all may be one of the hardest things I’ll ever have to do.  

To my fellow members of the best band in the land, the Sound of the South. I’ve greatly enjoyed my time marching with you all. Gameday wouldn’t be nearly as great without you. The memories I’ve made in this band will be something I carry with me for the rest of my life. Continue being great. I’ll be cheering you on from the stands. BLOW SOTS. 

Lastly, I want to thank you. The readers. The Troy community. I’ve made so many connections here. Troy truly is a special place full of people from all walks of life. Whether our paths crossed or not, I’ll always be grateful for my time here at Troy and the person I have become because of it.  

Saying goodbye is never easy. This is truly a bittersweet moment for everyone graduating.

As I look to the future ahead of me, I’ll always remember where I came from. Thank you, Troy University. Here’s to the school we love. 

Raising her mighty Trojan Sword for one last time, 

Adele.