So much has changed in my past two years at The Towerlight. It’s hard knowing that at the same time things are beginning, they are also ending for others. The staff that I have grown to know and love will be graduating this spring and have recently departed from University Union room 309.

The day the staff left was the same day that I got promoted to the Associate Arts and Life editorial position. It may not seem like much, but it means a lot to me. I came into the office in the fall of 2010 as a freshman.

I was ready, willing and much too confident in my photography skills.

I worked as a staff photographer, but also as a proofreader throughout my first year.

I wasn’t a mass communication major and still have yet to decide if I want to be, but I found my home in the Union that year, and I still consider it that.

What began as just a twice-a-week activity quickly consumed my life. I learned to write from those who came before me.

I became inspired by them and was amazed by the work they would do and I wanted to do it all.

I began writing for both the News and Arts and Life sections, doubling up on stories and pushing myself in ways I never had before.

Socially, academically and personally, I pushed myself to extremes but learned so much in the process.

I never knew how much it would pay off until it had and I’m so glad that I worked as hard as I did.

Saying goodbye to the previous staff felt so strange.

So I just haven’t done it yet.

I know that they will always be a part of The Towerlight for me, and I know they’ll be in the office for the rest of the year.

At least they better be!

The staff before me has taught me everything, from writing to ethics to media law.

I owe them everything and I’ll never forget the work that they did. Shout out to Lauren Slavin and Alissa Katz, who would edit my stories and help me with my ideas and be my inspiration.

And to Jordan Russell who helped me write my first story.

And to Andrew Constant and Sam Smith, while they didn’t affect my writing directly, seeing as they were the previous Sports editors, they were always entertaining in the office.

And to Justin, the silent wonder at the graphic design desk, who always had his work done on time.

I wish you luck with everything you all wish to do in the future. And I look forward to working with the new staff.

Thanks to everyone.