I quite literally cannot believe I am graduating. Logically, I know that I am a senior in my last semester, but it simply does not make sense. It is hard to believe that I have really been at Shippensburg University for over three and a half years. 

When I was in high school, I did not know what I wanted to do. I enjoyed writing in class and for my school’s paper, but I never had a dream school or career. I toured SU the summer of my senior year and fell in love with the campus. One year later, I moved my life three hours across the state and enrolled at a school where I did not know a single soul.

I made friends, got used to the campus life and tried to figure out what I wanted to do. October of my freshman year, I changed my major to communication, journalism and media. Little did I know this would be one of the best choices I would ever make.

The communication, journalism and media department has given me so much, not only in education, but in community. The students and professors in our department are so dedicated, it inspires me to be better every day.

I also owe a lot to the Wood Honors College. It gave me my best friend and roommate, in addition to a huge community. It gave me a campus job where I was able to define my own role within the organization. It connected me to peers and alumni that I never would have met otherwise. 

The last four years have been a wild ride. I have put blood, sweat and tears into every single thing I have done on this campus, including classes, jobs, organizations, internships and relationships. I have learned so much, not only from my work, but from my experiences.

College has made me into who I am today. The independence allowed me to gain confidence in myself, growing into somebody that I know my younger self would be proud of. 

The time has flown by, but I am ready for the next chapter. Thank you, Shippensburg, for making me into a better, stronger person. 

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