Collegiate Times

Now that it's the end, I guess the best thing to do is talk about the beginning.

I started at the Collegiate Times fall semester of 2005, my sophomore year, as a staff writer. Joining the staff in the first place almost proved impossible.

I remember e-mailing other editors my freshman year repeatedly with no replies, wondering how they could possibly not have the time to answer e-mails, something that I would get to experience once I became news editor.

I had no idea what the next three years were going to mean for me, just that I liked journalism and thought it would be a fun activity outside of class.

I was surprised at how easy it was to really become involved. The next semester, I became a news reporter and the semester after that, a news editor.

The hard part was commitment. There were times that working here really tested my abilities as a journalist and my time management. And then there was April 16. As I was struggling with my emotions as so many of us, I realized that being at the newspaper was the best way to keep my mind off things and a way to help me move on.

Three years later, I don't know what kind of person I would have been without the Collegiate Times. Sure, I skipped a few classes, sacrificed a few good grades, had to miss out on times when my friends were out having fun, but the lessons I've learned and the experiences that I've made are priceless.

I've made a second home out of the small office in 365 Squires and best friends who I'll miss when I leave Blacksburg. I've realized that I was able to do things I will never get the chance to do again as a journalist.