This is the last article I will ever write for the Ferris State Torch.
I can’t say how unbelievable that is to me. After four long years, my time is up with this publication.
Reflecting on what the Torch has meant to me through my time at Ferris, the only word that can even begin to describe it is “everything.” If I did not work for the Torch, I would not graduate from Ferris. That’s how integral this has been for me.
I’d be lying if I said that I loved every second of the Torch or even college as a whole. I did not. However, college, to no surprise, has been particularly transformative for me. This ride has been an emotional rollercoaster. The highest of highs, the lowest of lows. Unimaginable triumphs and devastating heartbreak. That’s what college is supposed to be. That’s what it was.
Because of all that, I’m not the same person I was when I began at Ferris. Mainly, I’m not the same person because of the Torch.
My journey in journalism began on Oct. 12, 2021, 1,296 days ago, to be exact. I was an eager 18-year-old freelance reporter ready to do whatever I had to do to impress my editors at the time. Over three and a half years later, I think I did something right, as I write this as the Editor in Chief.
In that time, I grew up. In retrospect, it’s funny how life can always even out. I wrote articles I love. I wrote articles I hated. I felt on top of the world one week and then depressed the next. I loved it a lot and had my heart broken a few times. Everything came out in a balanced way. It’s an odd thing, really.
I’d be remiss and foolish if I did not include a lot of thanks I owe to numerous folks over the years. Please bear with me.
First, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Torch’s staff this year. I could not do this thing on my own. I could not print a paper each week without all of you. I’m forever grateful to have worked with such great people. I love you all.
During my time at the Torch, I worked with two advisors: Dr. Garrett Stack and Dr. Scott Kowalewski. I would not have been able to get my start without Stack. I don’t start at the Torch without his encouragement. At the end of things, I don’t finish as strongly without Kowalewski. Both of you provided so much help, care and feedback to me and the Torch. We’re better off because of it.
I wouldn’t have been able to run the Torch without the lessons learned from my former bosses and colleagues. To Brendan, Brody, Marissa, Noah, Giuls and Jess, there’s not a day that goes by where I don’t wish we still worked together. Thank you all for making me a better person and a better Torchie.
To the people I’ve worked closely with in my reporting over the years, especially Dr. Bill Pink and Coach Bob Daniels, thanks for putting up with a nosy reporter.
One thing that I’ve learned over this past year is that the Torch is needed more than ever. With that said, we need our readership. To anyone who picked up a copy or reached out with criticism or support, thank you for reading.
I have the utmost faith that next year’s staff will continue in the tradition of illuminating the truth. The Torch is in good hands with Blase Gapinski at the helm.
Thank you for everything, Torch.
