It feels like it was only yesterday when I sent my first article to the Etownian, in the fall semester of my freshman year. Since then, everything else has changed, but writing for the Etownian has remained the constant in my college career that reminded me that college is more than attending classes and doing your homework. College is about learning what truly interests you and what you enjoy doing.
I first joined Etown as a biotechnology major, but ended up changing into public health as soon as that became a major offered at the college. Writing for the Etownian has undoubtedly played a part in my decision to change majors, as the main reason that I switched majors is because I wanted to work on things that affect people day-to-day and see practical changes. In many ways, writing for a newspaper accomplishes that. As a writer and journalist, you are reporting on things that people care about, and are affecting change by shining the spotlight on various issues.
Through the many newspaper layouts and brainstorm meetings, I found a community at the Etownian that was supportive and understanding. Members of the Etownian team ensured that I understood that my writing should not feel like a tiring task. It should not feel like just another assignment on my plate. Rather, I should feel joy while writing, and fulfillment when submitting my article. That is exactly how I have felt every time I wrote an article these past four years.
One thing that makes me happy is that the Etown community cares about the Etownian. Articles published in the newspaper are read, shared and talked about. I found that I am able to bring attention to several issues through my work with the Etownian. For example, when the Student Assembly referendum was being voted on, I felt that not enough students were aware of what was happening. I ended up writing an article discussing the referendum, and the article was widely shared. I am confident that I leave behind a skilled editor, Cindy Moukoro, that is capable of continuing this important work.
These experiences with the Etownian made me realize that I did not need to leave writing behind in high school due to my major. The past four years have cemented the fact that I am able to incorporate writing, which I love, with every aspect of my future career. I am grateful for the opportunities I was given to be reminded of how important writing is to me.
As I close out this final chapter of my journey at not just the Etownian but also Etown, I cannot help but imagine how different my college experience would have been if I had not participated in various campus clubs and activities, such as the Etownian. I often catch myself thinking that if I were to relive my college career, I do not think I would have done anything differently. I have enjoyed being an Etown student, an Etownian writer, and being a part of numerous other clubs on campus. I can only hope that future students will feel the same way at the end of their four years.
