Almost four years ago in the fall of 2016 I came to UT with no idea what would be in store for me. I was a freshman ready to experience everything college life had to offer and it was going to be one grand adventure.

Well, as my time at UT comes to an end, I can say that the experiences I’ve had at UT and because of UT have truly been one adventure after another. Taking a minute to look back, every moment here on campus has been one that I’ll forever cherish as each one has taught me more than I could have expected.

I’ve transformed a lot since my freshman year and will continue to change and grow after graduating in May. It’s all a part of the process of being human.

But, my memories and the knowledge I’ve gained from my time at UT will forever be a foundation for what will come.

I’ve seen the world in new perspectives as I learned about intercultural communication while studying and interning abroad in Sydney, Australia my sophomore year through the CCI Global Scholars program. I’ve learned how to become a well-rounded journalist through my courses taught by professors who have pushed me to be better. I’ve taken what I’ve learned in those classes and had real life experience reporting on hard breaking news and crafting features that tell the stories of the community. I’ve gained skills on how to cover breaking news and a myriad of other topics while working with the Knoxville News Sentinel over the past summer.

However, the biggest impact out of all my time at UT will forever be that of student media. The Office of Student Media, and more importantly the Daily Beacon, have become my home on campus. I started as a contributor my freshman year and have had amazing opportunities each day. I’ve become a leader in multiple avenues — I was promoted to senior staff writer my junior year before I took over as Campus News Editor. This past year, I was the Photo Editor during the fall semester and when the spring semester came around I stepped up into the role of Editor-in-Chief.

I’ve learned how to write under tight deadlines, step up to cover stories when others couldn’t, learned to work with peers, learned to work in multimedia, have been able to cover music festivals, written investigative pieces that shined a light on issues on campus, been a storyteller in both writing and visually, and have gained knowledge that I feel has prepared me for life beyond college. But most importantly, I have had the opportunity to work with amazing peers — both alongside them and in a leader position — and I am grateful for everything they have taught me. I cannot stress this enough, but the best part of going to college is the student experience beyond the classroom walls. I encourage everyone to look for clubs or organizations that will give you the ability to gather experience in whatever field you’re hoping to get into and join. My time with the Daily Beacon has been invaluable and I can’t thank everyone who has made my time at UT worthwhile enough.

 

P.S. To follow my Photojournalistic endeavors, take a look at my new website: SZY Photography