CCU later: Long live to The Chanticleer

I remember walking into my first meeting at The Chanticleer as a timid, but excited 19-year-old sophomore. I was ecstatic that I had the opportunity to be a part of my collegiate newspaper.

After two years, three positions at The Chanticleer and many stories later, I will finally walk the stage on Saturday, Dec. 14. It’s hard to believe my time here is over, but I look forward to my future career in the news world.

I’m thankful for all the student staff members, my previous adviser, Wendy Weinhold, and my current adviser, John Harvey, for taking chances and trusting me with responsibilities. I also want to give a special thank you to Brooke Bromberg and Madison Sharrock.

Working with Madison on the digital side of The Chanticleer has been a pleasure as her guidance and advice have helped me grow as a journalist. Additionally, Brooke’s input and leadership this semester has propelled us to new places. I am so excited to see where their careers take them.

Whenever I’m asked about my college experience, I can hardly speak a sentence without mentioning The Chanticleer. Because of this organization, I’ve had the opportunity to do feature stories about those in my community, I learned more about my campus, I covered a major political campaign event and I received a plethora of experience in addition to my academics.

Journalism is vital to society because journalists are the watchdogs for those in power. Without true and authentic journalism, the world would be vastly different. This is my motivation for why I do it.

The dreadful deadlines are hard, editing is tough and various interviews are tedious. Although when you get to see your final product published or you’re able to help others, it makes all the late nights and stressful moments worth doing it again.

In 2025, I will begin a new chapter apart from Coastal Carolina University. However, what I learned during my time here will stick with me forever.