Saying goodbye is never easy, but as I graduate, I find myself looking back at The Rocket and find myself with only one regret: not starting sooner. This experience has been essential to shaping my skills in content creation and storytelling, and I can never thank you enough.
The amount of opportunities I received here is truly unmatched. From recording and editing interviews to capturing the energy of crowds at concerts and football games, this fueled my passion as a videographer even more and pushed me to constantly improve.
I would spend hours researching editing techniques and camera tricks to help make my next video better than the last. While I did not have a lot of experience before joining, I realized that the staff hiring me focused more on my character, work ethic and willingness to learn. This philosophy resonated with me deeply and is something that I will definitely carry forward when it is time for me to interview people in the industry.
And beyond the work I got to do, I am happy I got to work with such an incredible group of hard working people.
As someone who is in the military, I have been with three different units and been deployed overseas. And I can say that the leadership and collaboration with our EIC and the staff has been better than some of the units I have been with. I say that to say that it is inspiring and motivating to be around young adults my age who are just as passionate about their work as me. Their passion pushes me to want more for myself. I am going to miss each and every one of the staff.
This is what I have to say about each staff member:
- Sarah: You have been one of the best leaders I have had in quite a while. You are someone that knows where the line is of getting things done and having fun, and you managed that line very well. You are compassionate and understanding, something that to me is extremely valuable and imperative to have in a dog-eat-dog world.
- Katie S: When I look at you, I know that you are heading for the stars and nothing and no one will stop that. I look at you and I know that your success is inevitable; a manifestation guaranteed to happen, if you will. I am glad we got to get closer this semester. I always appreciate our talks and how open we can be with one another.
- James: You are someone who makes me want to push myself. You are an incredible writer and are always seeing what story to write next. The grit that you have is contagious, and I am so thankful for it. I am going to miss sitting next to you and hearing you somehow write and pick on Sarah and Katie D all at the same time. A true talent you have haha.
- Alex: I have always appreciated your ability to think outside the box of what everyone else may think when it comes to life. I am thankful to have been able to meet such a hard working, trustworthy guy. You give this warm energy that is always so inviting. I am eager to see where you will go and all the exciting things I know you will be doing.
- Aidan: You are genuinely one of the nicest guys I have ever met. You have a unique light about you. There is still innocence in you, and I hope it is never taken from you. You are always thinking about how your actions and words can affect other people, a skill valuable for journalism, but also for being the best human you can be. As you grow and evolve, never forget this skill or take it for granted. You also seem like someone to do a lot of self reflecting; never take this for granted as well. Critical thinking, especially self critical thinking, is hard to find nowadays. Do not lose this quality. It is too precious to sacrifice.
- Annabelle: You are someone I am very thankful to have met. You are an amazing hard worker, and you are always going above and beyond for those around you. You have a very beautiful soul, and you are always someone who I feel very safe to be around.
- Kayla: You also have an incredible light that shines before you ever enter the room. You will find that college (and life at times) will try to take or dim this light. Protect your light. You are also a very strong writer, and I am so excited to see what the future has for you.
- Sophia: You have a lot of love to give. You deserve double the love you put out. I admire that you can look at things through a critical lens, but also through a joyful one too.
- Cassie: I am happy to have met you. I am glad that we have been able to talk and have good conversations before you left. I wish you all the best!
- Eddie: You are an incredible photographer. I can see your passion when you talk about wildlife and F1. You have the type of talent that can set you up for anywhere you want to go. Follow what will fulfill you and bring you joy.
- Katie D: I hope to one day take as amazing photos as you. I am happy I got to talk and know you more this semester. I am excited to see where the future will lead you.
