Two years ago, I graduated from high school and enrolled in Madison College. Being the planner that I am, I had a pretty good idea of what the next four years would hold for me: take classes at Madison College for two years, join the college’s newspaper, make some friends, gain some experience, transfer to UW-Madison, and eventually graduate with a degree in journalism.

While lists and plans can be comforting to make, executing is another story. I often found myself stressed and overwhelmed at times while completing the goals I made for myself, wishing that time would hurry up so I could finally take a break and not have to worry about what’s due tomorrow.

I had the same mentality in high school, too, and by the time senior year was wrapping up, I found that I actually had fun and felt satisfied with what I accomplished. Now that my time with Madison College and The Clarion is coming to an end, I’m feeling similar emotions to what I felt two years ago.

Madison College and The Clarion have given me all the opportunities I’ve needed to gain more experience in the things I’m passionate about. Of course, I’ve had to put the effort in along the way, but as I leave my position of editor-in-chief, I know that my time here was incredibly valuable.

The people I’ve met and worked with through The Clarion are some of the most hard-working, dedicated, passionate people I’ve had the pleasure to know. Every two weeks for the last two years I’ve witnessed dozens of people coming together to publish award-winning sixteen-page newspapers. And that kind of work doesn’t come easy, especially in a global pandemic. I’d sincerely like to thank everyone I’ve worked with for the past two years. I’d list you all out and thank you individually but I’m afraid I’ll accidentally leave someone out. So, if you’ve ever contributed in any way, shape, or form to The Clarion, know that you have my thanks and appreciation.