As my college career comes to a close and I begin to reflect on my time at High Point University, I have a lot to be thankful for. I joined an amazing sorority where I made my best friends, found academic success inside the classroom allowing me to meet my mentors in the field of journalism, and even had the opportunity to help charter a club on campus. But in all of my college memories, joining the Campus Chronicle is easily the one I am most thankful for.
I’m one of those strange people who have known what they’ve wanted to do since I was 15 years old. I joined my high school paper and it was there that I fell in love with journalism. As soon as I committed to HPU, my first question was “Do they have a school newspaper?” Needless to say, I basically forced my way on to the staff before I was even technically enrolled as a student, and it’s been history ever since.
While I can’t deny that my journalism classes taught me valuable skills and lessons about journalism, it’s been my time writing for the paper that has taught me the most. I’ve been able to cover a variety of subjects ranging from traditional news stories, to feature stories and student profiles. Having the opportunity to constantly challenge myself by taking on different stories and expanding my portfolio allowed me to become a well-rounded writer. It also helped me determine exactly what kind of journalism I wanted to go into. This kind of creative freedom is something that I wouldn’t have experienced just sitting in a classroom.
In the four years that I have been on staff, I can honestly say that it never felt like work. Because it was something that I was truly passionate about, I looked forward to it ev – ery week and pushed myself to excel in it. Throughout my time on the Campus Chronicle I have served as a writer, Arts and Entertainment section editor, News and Layout Design editor and finally Editor in Chief.
Serving as the Editor in Chief has been the most rewarding experience I’ve had at HPU. Turning over the reins is not going to be easy. I don’t think I’ve even come to terms with the fact that I actually have to do it. It is not exaggerating at all to say that without the Campus Chronicle, I wouldn’t be the journalist I am today. In fact, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. The relationships I formed with my staff and the lessons I’ve learned while working are something that I will value and take with me the rest of my life. I am eternally thankful for my time spent with the Campus Chronicle.
