Throughout college I have found my passion, and I happen to be OK at it. Finding my place in the world as a journalist and blogger has been a remarkable process and I’m thankful that I have found my profession early in my life. I’ve never identified so closely with a label before, but I am a journalist, and I’m proud to be one.
That’s why I’m so happy to announce that I’ll be working as a general assignment reporter at Crain’s Chicago Business starting in January. I’ve worked really hard to get to where I am today, but I wouldn’t be here without the ongoing love and support from family, friends, colleagues and mentors. Here are some words of gratitude to the people who have had a major influence on my life through the last three and a half years:
My Columbia professors: Thank you for being patient with me and giving me never ending encouragement throughout my college career. You have helped me push my limits and I’m a better writer because of it. Some special professors I’d like to mention: Chris Richert, Jeff Lyon, Sharon Bloyd-Peshkin and Jennifer Halperin.
My Chronicle family (Circa fall 2013-present): I had never been so inspired by my peers until I became a Chron kid. All of you are talented in the different crafts you bring to the paper, whether it’s writing stories, designing pages or contributing stunning photography. You guys taught me how to be a team player and helped make the two years I spent there an invaluable experience.
Lucas (Ex-boyfriend): You’re a (expletive) roach and will always be one. But I have to thank you for being my college sweetheart or whatever. You taught me a lot about what it means to love someone, miss someone and let someone go. When I look back on college, I will always remember times spent with you as they were some of the best, worst, most dramatic, etc. So, I hope some of your dreams come true and you live a fairly satisfying life.
The Mass (Gabriela Kaplan, Niki Sabetfakhri, Neeka Salmasi & Maddie Csere): It seems as though we’ve been friends since the beginning of time. I’m eternally grateful for each of you and the fact that we remained best friends throughout college. No matter how dark my world got or how alone I ever felt in Chicago, I always knew I had you girls even if we were miles apart. I know we have a special friendship, particularly because it lasts.
Sinclaire Fonville (Roommate): I wanted to be your roommate and friend before I even knew you. When we finally became roomies, I was amazed by your kindness and positivity. Whether we’re throwing parties and getting noise complaints, grilling on the balcony or exchanging gossip on guys, our time living together has been unparalleled and time I will always cherish. Even when we move out of One Place, I hope we remain just as close because you’re the kind of friend one has for a lifetime.
Natalie Craig (Soulmate): I always thought I’d meet my soulmate in college and that it would be a guy. But instead I met you and you have surpassed all of my expectations as a friend.
You understand me in a way that no one else ever has. You’re a journalist, like me, and you understand how pissed it makes me when I see people sharing news articles on Facebook from illegitimate sites. You’re a romantic, like me, so you know how devastating it is when a roach breaks my heart. And you lost your dad, like me, so you know how lonely Father’s Day can feel.
You’re also a magazine editor, something I aspire to be, and to put it frankly, you help me edit my life. You add color, metaphor and meaning, and it’s a Pulitzer-prize winning piece every time.
Mom: We’ve had our ups and downs, but you’ve always managed to be there when it counts. I’m so lucky to have you in my life and I hope our relationship continues to grow. You’re a strong woman and I hope that I inherit that trait, too.
Aunt Spruce: Ever since Dad died, you have been a pillar of support in my life. Whether you’re putting me on a plane to L.A. or checking in on me when you sense that I’m feeling down, I will never forget the kindness and compassion you have shown me. You used to talk to Dad every Sunday, and I’m glad that we now share that tradition. You have filled many voids for me and I’m happy to know I was able to fill that one for you.
Dad: I did it, Dad! I graduated from college! We’ve talked about this day for a long time and now that it’s finally here, it’s devastating that you can’t be here to celebrate with me. You always told me that one the proudest days of your life was when you handed your father your college diploma. I was looking forward to handing you mine.
But despite you not being here, my goal has remained the same—to make you proud. I’ve come a long way since you’ve passed, but I have even farther to go, and I plan to keep you close to my heart and mind as I navigate through life.
