I will be graduating and finalizing my degree at the end of this semester. As I look for a job, that involves a lot of cover letter writing and portfolio creation, I have been reflecting heavily on my time at Rowan. 

My first semester here, after taking a year and a half break from college due to burnout during the pandemic, started in September of 2022, so I have been at Rowan for over two years.

I have been at The Whit just as long, having started and stayed with it for the entirety of my college career. In that time, I have written over 100 articles, totaling over 70,000 words, and created at least one story for all five sections of the paper in that time.

I have also created dozens of other pieces outside of The Whit, utilizing different styles of writing, creating pieces in different kinds of media, and challenging myself to learn all of the skills that Rowan offered classes in that would help in my career. 

Rowan, the classes offered, and The Whit have afforded me the incredible opportunity to learn and grow in my career, and I am incredibly grateful for that aspect of my time here.

When I first started out at Rowan, I was a shy and socially anxious person who was excited to begin studying journalism but had no idea what that would actually entail and was terrified of speaking to strangers or trying new things. In the time since, I have become much more comfortable with at least making attempts at doing something new, even if I’m nervous about it or it’s not something that I am particularly good at. Also, I am no longer afraid of talking to strangers, in fact, I am now comfortable enough to actively pursue sources I need for stories until I am able to get a result. 

However, though I know it sounds cliche, the thing I am most grateful for is the people I have made connections with in my time here. I have made incredible friends in the form of my fellow Whit editors, as well as other students from the journalism department and from various other campus organizations that I have met through various events around campus.

I have also met a number of great mentors and professors, who have given me insights into the journalism world and my own abilities and skills. Professors DiUlio, Quigley, Kelley, Berkey-Gerard, Garyantes, Hausman, and McClure have all helped me gain opportunities, hone skills, or find passions I never would have otherwise considered giving a chance without their influence.

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