Collegiate Times

When I first came to Virginia Tech, all I knew was that I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life.

One thing I did know was that I loved to read and write, and this was my future - however I could manage it. That eventually led me to the Collegiate Times, and I remained here ever since.

At freshman orientation, my mom forced me to sign my name on the interest sheet on a small table for the CT. I rolled my eyes at the time, sure that I would never have time to work at the school newspaper. I guess I can thank my mom for that moment, because my career with the CT has been one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences I've had in all four years of college.

The experience I've had on this paper has benefited me and influenced my future more than any class or club. There were so many surprises, such as realizing that I could handle writing hard news, and eventually becoming news editor despite my features background - and that I actually loved it.

The biggest surprise was how much time I spent here, how the people at the CT became friends, then best friends and practically family, and how the office became a second home. I slept there, ate there, came in hungover on Friday mornings just to organize stories for the next week.

My career hasn't been without its love/hate moments, and there were days I wanted to walk out, fire people I had no authority to fire and never read another story. Powering through those times was what made me realize that journalism was a real passion of mine, and that I could possibly have a future career in the field.

More than the breaking stories, late nights and impossibly hard work, I will mostly remember the people. If it weren't for every person in 365 Squires, I would never have made it this far. Kelly Furnas, especially, for the rare brand of tough, ass-kicking love (that word used very loosely) that made me choose a CT story over making it to class on time and never settle; in short, teaching me what it really meant to be a journalist, and showing me I could do it.

I'm excited about the future, but so reluctant to leave, and I think that's the sign of a really successful college experience. I just want to thank the Collegiate Times for being one of the best and memorable parts of that experience.