Words cannot even begin to describe how deeply sad I am to be leaving The Chanticleer.
Although graduating is a huge accomplishment and such an exciting time in my life, The Chanticleer has become my family, my home away from home. I have made friends I will remain in touch with forever and touched lives I never could have without my leadership roles at the newspaper.
From starting as a scared, intimidated and anxious freshman, to graduating as Editor-in-Chief—my growth within this organization is evident. Previous executive staff members, advisers and fellow reporters have all helped me find my way over the years, and for that I am eternally grateful.
I can’t help but thank former Editor-in-Chief Madison Sharrock for not only being by my side for that first semester, but for staying for all six and being the best mentor, leader and friend. Sharrock– I admire you, I have so much confidence in you and your work, and I love the person that you are and have become during our time at CCU.
I would also like to thank my two advisers during my time with The Chanticleer, Wendy Weinhold and John Harvey.
Weinhold was the faculty adviser when I first started as a freshman, and from my first meeting of the semester to my last, she pointed out my potential and planted the seed in my head for a future with The Chanticleer. Thank you for showing me what I was capable of and for reassuring me every time I came to you with doubts. You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, so again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Harvey, our current student media coordinator, has helped me navigate my positions as assistant editor and editor-in-chief. Without his support and guidance, I would not be where I am today. Thank you for answering all of my questions, backing me up and for pushing me to the best version of myself through accountability and honesty.
I won’t continue to thank every individual person at the newspaper, but to all that I have worked with, thank you for your support, trust and friendship. I know the future of The Chanticleer is so bright, and I can’t wait to read all of your work, this time as a reader and The Chanticleer’s biggest fan.
