It has been a long time coming. People start as students and soon turn into graduates. With a little work, they become valued members of the workforce living the dream of holding a position related to their field. I am one of these people and that time has come.
In August 2009, I began my college career with the University of Northern Iowa. Like most students, I was timid and curious as to what a higher education would bring me. Everything was new but it spelled freedom, decisions based upon my own perception and no one to answer to. I was finally my own person.
Come September of that year, like most students, I realized a job was necessary. In high school, I wasnt shy to working. In fact, I started my first official job at the age of 14. So, the work part wasnt difficult. What posed the biggest issue was locating a job. This led me to the Northern Iowan.
Nearly four years, the full time Ive been at UNI, has been spent with the NI too. What started as the simple videographer job flourished into the position I have held for more than two-and-a-half years, managing editor.
So, whats the big deal? you might ask. Well, the significance is monumental. The Northern Iowan has given me so much.
You see, it wasnt just a job. It was a career-builder. It was my home. It was the people I could rely on when things took a turn for the worst. It was the basis for who I am today, and why no task is too large for me to handle.
Honestly, if it werent for being promoted back in November 2010 to my current position, I wouldnt be the person who I am and want to be today. All this is thanks largely to Michele Smith, the business manager of the NI and the most unique, kindest person you will ever meet.
As graduation approaches, we prepare for the single most important part of our college careers: walking across the commencement stage and finally obtaining our degree. Whether it was just four years or even six, such a small piece of paper means the world to those who fought and won against the forces that be.
As I approach this milestone, there comes a point where I hand off my title to another person.
I can say with utmost certainty that the Northern Iowan will be in great hands. These people are very capable and devoted to continuing a service and tradition that has been a staple of UNI for more than 120 years. It has been a pleasure to be a part of this vast history and to leave my mark.
For my final words, I leave you with this. In todays society, media molds our minds and values in a fashion that would be pure fiction only a few decades ago.
With the advent of the Internet, services decline in favor of other modes of information delivery. While receiving a letter in the mail from friends or family was once an everyday occurrence, receiving a letter now is much more special, and this is no different with a physical newspaper.
Continue picking up the Northern Iowan and read what devoted, often-sleep-deprived students report for the students of UNI and the Cedar Valley. Because once its gone, its gone, and a piece of history dies with it, much to the extent of what has happened to UNI over the past few years.
Congratulations to the class of spring 2013. We made it and now its time to celebrate. Keep your head high and walk the walk across that stage; we all deserve it. And remember, while the workforce can be terrifying when finding a job, you bring to the table unmatched skills and character any employer would be grateful to have.
Again, congratulations, class of spring 2013.
