When I first came to college, I was completely lost.
I started my college career in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. My senior year of high school had been cut short for the same reason. There was a whirlwind of new things bombarding me, and I had no clue how to progress.
Throughout my first year, I contemplated dropping out. I thought that maybe this whole college thing was not for me after all. I was Undecided, but I knew that I had a passion for English. However, Communication also interested me, so I said I would double major in both.
Moving into sophomore year, I realized very quickly that pursuing a double major was not beneficial to my mental health. There was too much to worry about, and I contemplated dropping out again. Finally, I decided to take a chance: become a Communication major with an English minor. That would turn out to be one of the best choices of my entire life.
Once I had a major, I was able to get involved immediately. At Waynesburg, the cool opportunities are not just reserved for the seniors; everyone at any level can get involved. Being able to work WCTV shows and write articles in The Yellow Jacket immediately was very rewarding.
The community of people we have at Waynesburg is truly special. I have met friends here that I know I will stay in contact with for the rest of my life. Even beyond the Department of Communication, the people I interact with are amazing. Waynesburg being a smaller school allows those real connections to happen sooner and easier.
As I am about to graduate, I do have two pieces of advice. Firstly, value your time. I was told from the moment that I got here that my time here would fly by. I blinked and now I am here. Your time here is limited, so be sure to savor it. Secondly, take every opportunity you can get. Waynesburg is filled with so many opportunities that are waiting to be taken. You will be busy, and it will not be easy, but I promise that it is all worth it.
Perhaps the strangest part of all this for me is what I am on the precipice of. I am about to start my adult life, which means starting at square one again at a new job. Everything I have spent years building here will be gone. However, the skills I have learned and the friends I have made during my time at Waynesburg have prepared me so well that I know I will be fine. I am excited for the chance to prove myself again.
I’ll be working as a Multimedia Journalist at WTAJ after college. The main station is in Altoona, but I’ll primarily be working out of the State College bureau. I’m incredibly excited for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to start my professional career with them.
Thank you to everyone at Waynesburg University for their contributions to my journey. Without the fantastic community that Waynesburg has, my path would have turned out very differently. My time here is something that I will treasure forever.
