I published my first opinion article in October 2022. Almost a year and a half later, as I am about to graduate, I reflect on what Technician has meant to me. Writing has allowed me to share my stances on the state of policies, politics and mental health and shaped my confidence in expressing myself in ways I cannot overemphasize.

My academic goals always involved scientific papers, very objective and fact-based. I can honestly say that with each opinion piece I wrote, I shifted more towards philosophical approaches in my future career. I can’t imagine my career moving forward not centering around driving changes and sparking discussions. I want to challenge the way things are and encourage individuals to make changes happen.

When revisiting the 15 articles I have published to date, I noticed major themes, the largest being criticisms of NC State. I apologize to any University staff who may have waited in fear for the next criticisms I might have. I’ve wanted to push us to continue to grow into the best community that we can, and even if people didn’t agree with my opinions, I hope they sparked some conversations. 

I notice now that I wrote a lot about work. I won’t claim to be the cause of any changes to any on-campus organization’s policies, but as changes about specific areas I’ve had concerns with are made, I can’t help but feel my words played a role in bringing these issues to the forefront. I see the ways that higher management has been working over the past year to try and improve our conditions, and feel grateful for each effort. 

I also did a fair bit of combative writing. I was president of my high school’s debate team and enjoy the challenge of trying to share a more convincing perspective than someone who disagrees. I have so much respect for those I have written in opposition to, and I hope the pieces have been as fun for them to write as they have been for me. As I write this farewell, I also work on a final dueling column and am excited that my final opinion will have some opposition.

I also wrote a couple pieces for special editions of our paper regarding human sexuality, misperceptions and miscommunications. I love that our paper embraces opinions on topics that have been historically taboo, and while writing each was out of my comfort zone, I enjoyed sharing those perspectives. 

The works that don’t fit into the other categories are the ones I am most proud of. I want those who encounter my writings to remember to think critically and independently, being inspired by the opinions that challenge them. I hadn’t decided where my own opinions would end up while writing “Allyship is performative, solidarity and involvement can drive real change,” and incredible interviews with voices on our campus helped to impact my own stance. 

“Positive change doesn’t rely on a diagnosis” shares parts of my personal story publicly. While some aspects of its vulnerability scared me, I received a range of messages from people on our campus and beyond who were inspired to take charge of their own mental health. It was an honor to be a part of your journeys.

This semester I published my favorite article, “Stop trying to align yourself with like-minded people.” If people are making informed stances, I might not be able to convince you of anything at all, and that’s okay. Critical thinking is so foundational to everything we do when we interact with one another.

I want to thank Elyse and Mari, who spent way more time than necessary editing my articles when I started writing. I also want to share my appreciation for Koen, who tanked through some controversy with me. I know not everyone will agree with what we have to say or how we say it, but it doesn’t make perspectives not worth sharing.

And a final appreciation to Justin and Skye, who I again apologize for not telling I was graduating this semester. You have been amazing editors and were always excited to see what I’d come up with for my next pieces. Having opinions is one thing, but knowing there’s people who actually care to hear them is the most motivating thing you can have as not only a writer, but someone who’s always struggled with communication in general. Thank you for giving me an outlet in my final semesters at NC State, and thank you to everyone carrying Technician’s legacy in Vol. 104. 

I want to encourage students in any discipline to pursue outlets for creative expression, have difficult conversations and share their opinions.

Jordan Birkner