Finally, I get a whole column to talk about myself! Four years of interviewing and writing about other people really creates a yearning for self-reflection. So, as is tradition, in The Herald’s final print edition with me as its editor-in-chief, I present my farewell.

When I left Cross County High School in 2022, diploma in hand, I remember feeling a nagging wistfulness. Had I made the best use of my time there? I knew the answer was no. I had the grades and I had a tight-knit group of friends that I’m grateful to be close with to this day. But, other than EAST, I didn’t join any clubs and I didn’t play any sports. I didn’t get involved.

So, when I arrived at Kays Hall on that sweltering August afternoon, I was determined not to repeat my mistake. College represented a fresh start, a second chance for me to take advantage of the endless opportunities before me. And, I must say, I’m proud of what I’ve done. 

The events I’ve attended, people I’ve met, places I’ve traveled, work I’ve completed, awards I’ve received, connections I’ve made and wrinkles I’ve earned all point to time well spent. 

There’s one organization, though, a certain student newspaper, that I devoted more time to than anything else. The Herald office is my home away from home. I breathe Adobe InDesign and eat newsprint. I have Tuesday production nights to thank for the aforementioned wrinkles. I’d do anything to work just one more semester, short of paying the exorbitant graduate school tuition. 

Maybe it was the ever-present knowledge of my rapidly dwindling time here, or the shame for what I felt was a failure to make significant, meaningful change. For whatever reason, my passion and commitment to The Herald grew twofold this semester. And, thanks to the adviser, editors, staff and a mostly welcoming campus, I’m proud of the state I’m leaving the paper. 

The Herald has placed newspaper racks around campus (thanks to Gretchen), started a social media campaign (thanks to the strategic communications campaigns class), optimized the submission process (thanks to Ibuki), boosted accessibility (thanks to Matthew, Meredith and David) and even almost sold an ad! Things are looking up.

Overall, if I had to describe my college journey in one word, I’d use “abundance.” My time at Arkansas State University was punctuated with an abundance of everything. Knowledge. Growth. Friendships. But also plenty of rough times. I wasn’t expecting the abundance of funerals I’d attend, for instance.

Before I go, I want to extend a sincere and genuine thank you, in no particular order, to my family, friends (old and new), girlfriend, professors, peers and haters. I won’t name names for fear of leaving someone out. Just know this: if we’ve ever interacted, in any capacity whatsoever, I’m grateful to you. Truly. 

And as for advice, I have none. Live life yourself. All the awkward silences, sleepless nights and instant ramen suppers are yours to enjoy. I wouldn’t dare deny such formative moments with quick tips and tricks on how to avoid them. That’s the easy way out. 

If I had any advice at all to give, it’d be this: Feel it all. Let yourself experience all life has to offer. All the love, hate, anger, joy and confusion. Never suppress a thing. I am a perpetual hypocrite and fail to follow my own advice every day. But, as my old man used to declare, “do as I say, not as I do.”

And wear sunscreen!

Categories: Opinion