People warn you about these last days of college. They tell you how bittersweet it is and that you should cherish and embrace the moments before you take the stage and walk with your fellow peers.

They are absolutely right, but you’re never really prepared for these moments until they’re up and close.

There are so many people I want to thank for helping me get here, but for this, I’d like to focus on my work with The Criterion and the journey I started with this organization since I stepped into the Crite office in August 2017.

First, I’d like to thank Eric Sandstrom and Bryce Reedy for helping me get into sports writing and guiding me while I learned how to become a better writer. They encouraged me to keep searching and keep finding new ways to become a storyteller, and it helped me tremendously as I started my journey with the Criterion.

Thank you to Bob Silbernagel and Denny Herzog, the Crite’s advisors. They pushed us to become more than just a school newspaper. We’ve worked to become something more, and due to their willingness to help us improve and share their wisdom, I believe the Criterion is set for years to come.

A grand thank you to many of my fellow Crite peers, from last year to this year, and you all know who you are. It’s been so fun working with you all as we told many great stories that occurred around campus. No matter what the outcome was, I know first hand our intentions were always positive, and I know we always wanted to do great work, and I believe we did just that.

I want to give a thank you to Alec Williams, the Criterion’s Editor in Chief during the 2017-2018 school year. After all my work during the fall semester, he offered me the role of Assistant Sports Editor, and without hesitation, I gladly accepted. He gave me a chance to continue working at an even higher level, and for that, I’m grateful.

Thank you to the many coaches, student-athletes and faculty who gave time for interviews. It was always appreciated during hectic schedules.

Also, a huge thank you to Editor in Chief Chris DeLeon.

Chris also gave me the chance to continue my work, bringing me back on staff for the 2018-2019 school year. He’s pushed us to become the best writers we can be. Through all the laughs and great atmosphere, he’s made working with the Crite an incredible experience and one I won’t forget. He’s been a great leader, and I know he will guide everyone next semester through even more great stories.

Finally, a last thank you to Sports Editor Matt Kennedy. We’ve worked side by side since I started a few years ago, and it’s been a great ride with a fellow sports enthusiast. Matt always found great stories to tell for our fantastic sports teams, and we’ve worked together to help bring the best coverage possible on CMU sports. As a two-person sports desk for most of the time, I know we couldn’t cover as much as we had hoped; however, I know we never stopped trying to find ways to tell people’s stories, and I’m proud of that.

I knew that I wanted to become a sports writer during my senior year in high school, and I’m so thankful that I got that opportunity with the Criterion. I was able to cover so many accomplished student-athletes and several successful teams. I’ve told many stories that celebrated accomplishments, achievements and even life goals. That’s why I write. To tell people’s stories so others can know that it is possible to achieve what you desire.

There are many more I want to thank, and I promise I will get to everyone who helped me during my days with the paper and beyond. I’ll never forget my time at CMU, and I wish the best of luck to all students who are headed for the finish line.