Growing up in a rural part of Indiana, surrounded by cornfields and cows, I always had dreams bigger than myself of living a life and telling a story beyond my own small town of 5,000 people.

However, when I was in high school I was a COVID-19 senior, and the past five years of my life were met with obstacles that quite literally put my life on pause. 

I recall studying at Ball State University, taking online classes from the quiet isolation of my room, wondering if college was even the right path for me. Or even if I wanted to pursue journalism. I knew that this place was not for me, so I came home the following semester, disappointed in myself and the grandiose idea of college that I was promised. 

At 19, I felt lost. I wanted so badly to experience what I had missed at Ball State. After a semester online, I began researching colleges closer to home.

I talked with a friend who was attending NKU, and he offered to give me a tour of campus if I wanted to see what it was like. I was hesitant, but I agreed. That same fall evening, I filled out my application and waited.

In the spring of 2022, I was fully enrolled and hopeful for the first time in a while. I spent the first year getting acclimated, trying to decide if I wanted to stick it out for good.

In my Media Ethics class with Dr. Stacie Jankowski, I sat next to a girl named Emmanuelle Hewson who I was in awe of. I discovered that she was a sports editor for The Northerner, and I knew right away that I wanted to be a part of it.

I emailed Stacie who got me in contact with the Editor-in-Chief Braden White. I was so anxious, but his kindness and pure passion for The Northerner pushed me in. I began with the team as a photographer just last year, following in the footsteps of two of the most talented photographers I had ever met: Sydney Bellm and Emory Davis.

When I attended my first volleyball game with the pair at the University of Xavier, I was enthralled. With my camera in my hand that I hadn’t picked up since high school, I immediately knew that this was where I was finally supposed to be. 

Once Sydney had graduated, I took over her position that left big shoes to fill. It was a lot to learn and handle, being the only photographer on the entire staff that semester. However, it taught me major life lessons and gave me such an intimate experience of the position. I experienced everything from men’s basketball games to sorority recruitment, and I feel so deeply in love with this campus and its people.

At the end of the spring semester that year, I was so generously asked by Braden White and Managing Editor Emily Sisk if I would be interested in moving up to Emily’s position, since Braden would be graduating.

I was ecstatic, and as soon as I left the newsroom I called my mom to tell her the news. I finished that semester filled with a sense of hope and excitement to be given the ability to lead the team I had learned so much from. 

This August, I set up my desk right next to Emily’s, and placed my name plate in front of my computer. Throughout the semester, I met many amazing people and made more friends than any time in my college career. I was in love with where I was at, but I knew that the moment was fleeting, and that I would soon be here, writing my senior farewell. 

No amount of words that I write will ever encompass the gratitude and pure joy that my time at The Northerner has given me while at NKU. I was able to create work that I was proud of, while helping my friends and fellow staff members discover their own passions. 

I am so unbelievably proud of each and every person on staff. 

Adelyn, you will do so well as photo editor. I know you’re nervous, but you can do it. You are so talented, and The Northerner was so lucky to have you this semester. 

Shae, my twin, you are so full of light and talent. Your dedication to queer advocacy is admirable, and you work so hard. I know you will do so well in any career you end up in.

Riley, be proud of your work ethic. You remind me of myself when I first started, full of excitement to get started. Keep pursuing your passion. 

Matt, Alex and Jakob, my sports guys. Your teamwork is impeccable. The amount of coverage you all were able to do this semester is just insane. I will miss our days of shooting on the hoop in the newsroom (and me missing every shot).

Jillian, I loved how much you stepped out of your comfort zone this semester. You created so many unique projects and stories that The Northerner so desperately needed.

Patrick, your skills with technology are incredible. I have no idea how I’d ever fix my computer or figure out how to turn that darn finicky projector on without your help.

Jameson and Emma, I will always be in awe of the amazing videos you both have created this year. They were such perfect additions to our content. 

Liam, the goat. You have built up our social media more than I have ever seen in my time on staff. Your humor is infectious, and you have big dreams that I just know you’ll accomplish. 

Jessie, what would we have done without you? Your designs have crafted beautiful magazines for us, and you truly are the backbone of us. You bring our vision and stories to fruition. 

Lexi, props to you for doing the ugly business work that we all struggle with. Plus, your insight with the recruitment process the day I did my interview helped more than you know. 

Henry, the political science genius. The way you approached the election coverage this year was done with such grace and grit. Politics writing isn’t for everyone, but you do it well. 

Aya, you are such a sweetheart. Thanks for always being so willing and able to help us when we need you. Copyeditors are always looked over – but we couldn’t do it without you. 

Emily, I could truly write a book for you. You are a talented, fearless leader who works so hard it makes my head spin. I can’t wait to see you on KET someday, anchoring and writing inspiring newscasts for all of Kentucky. I wish you the best of luck next semester, I will miss you lots.

Annie, thank you for stepping in as our advisor so quickly while also becoming our true friend and advocate. You keep us in check, and do so much for The Northerner behind the scenes. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

As I end my time here, I want to tell you all how much you are loved, and I am excited to see all the work that you all will produce in the future. Keep working hard and pursuing the dedication of student journalism. 

I leave you all with a quote by John Green from “Let it Snow”.

“There’s a trick to the ‘graceful exit.’ It begins with the vision to recognize when a job, a life stage, or a relationship is over–and let it go. It means leaving what’s over without denying its validity or its past importance to our lives. It involves a sense of future, a belief that every exit line is an entry, that we are moving up, rather than out.”