Journalism practically saved my life. I spent three years in college changing majors, taking obscure classes, trying to find a job that didn’t feel like work. I knew it existed but I didn’t know where to look. So I looked everywhere. 

I stumbled into the Technician office without a clue of who to talk to. I knew two things: I loved to write and I loved soccer. 

I never followed college sports growing up. I’ve played soccer since I was seven and watched European football since high school, but I never really paid much attention to the collegiate level of anything.

Then, my freshmen year, fall of 2007, I went to my first Wolfpack football game. Tailgating. Painting up. Cramming into the student section. The atmosphere is unreal. I’ve never felt closer to so many strangers in my life.

Now, as I complete my senior victory lap, I look back on the last two years of writing and editing and feel an intense respect and thankfulness to the people that have surrounded me in this office and helped me grow. I may have learned a lot in the last five years of college, but working as a journalist and as a boss has taught me way more about life than a lecture and being read a PowerPoint ever could.

So here’s the list.

Tyler Everett, thank you for giving me a job and going over the bare-boned basics of recap writing with me. Best of luck in Denver. While we’re talking Tylers -Dukes, you spent a lot of time going over my stories with me, teaching me techniques and just overall being critical when I needed to hear the criticism the most.

Sean Fairholm . In 2010, we covered our first football game together. Since then, we’ve traveled to football and basketball games all over this side of the country. Today, we both received Technician Best Sports Writer of the Year awards. We’ve gone full-circle, buddy, and I hope you continue pursuing your passions.

Alex Sanchez. Where haven’t we gone this year? Orlando, Atlanta, St. Louis, Columbus-covering all of the men’s basketball ACC and NCAA tournament games has been a pleasure and I appreciate all of the photography lessons you’ve given me.

Sports staff. I love you guys. Your love for sports and your undying willingness to cover anything and everything State-related has impressed me. Keep it up next year and help Jeniece out every chance you get. Ms. Jamison, you’re ready.

To Patrick, Martha and Krystal, I thank you so much for all the help you’ve given me. Patrick, you’re a great fit for the job and, like you said Thursday night, I also hope you have many great years at State. If they let you go, they’re crazy.

Last but not least, mom and dad. You two have always supported me, no matter what. I cannot overemphasize how important knowing that has been. Madre, you’ve loved my writing my entire life. I don’t know if I’ll ever think it deserves it but I’ll always do my best to keep you proud.

To the readers. I appreciate all of the feedback, good and bad, that has been sent to me this year. You’ve made us better writers and I want you to continue doing so. It is our privilege to provide your news.

I’ve always been bad at goodbyes. So, with the advice of the surprisingly wise Taylor Cashdan , I’m not going to say it. Hello to the future. I hope some of you follow my work-because I’m not done yet.