The Criterion, where do I begin? I started writing for The Criterion because I needed a practicum credit with my major, which is mass communication. I thought to myself, ‘well, I can’t really write, but it shouldn’t be that hard to get into right?’

My first meeting was intense. All these stories being shouted out and assigned, and I didn’t even know how to pick what I wanted to write. I went to the Editor in Chief at the time, Bryce Reedy, I told him I would love to write a story but I am too scared to ask for one.

He gave me a smile and told me I should start with the Art and Life and Opinion sections and ease my way into it. I followed his advice and wrote my first article in the Art and Life section. It was a story on how the Associated Student Government got to tour the Capitol in Denver. I had to do interviews and put the writing piece together.

I never in a million years thought I could do something like this, but I did it. I wrote my little ass off on my first piece, because I wanted to prove myself wrong; I CAN write. I turned that article in and it got some great reviews.  

I kept writing for The Criterion, not just because I needed that credit but I found it so interesting and fun. Some stories I hated and some I loved. But I tested my creative ability and stood strong. They started hiring for the new year and I thought I could keep doing this.

So I applied to be the Opinion Editor. I got the job, and my whole world changed. I found a new perspective. I got to know the whole Colorado Mesa University community. If you would have asked me when I was a freshmen, that I would have to do multiple interviews with President Tim Foster, I would have laughed. It’s hard for me to even put into words what The Criterion has done for me. I have been able to step out of my comfort zone and for that I am thankful.

Being the Managing Editor this past semester has been a delight. All of my editors have made my job easy. They work hard and they always pull through which makes The Criterion look great. I am going to miss coming to Monday meetings and Sunday design days.

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My biggest advice to give to students, who don’t know where they fit in at CMU, try The Criterion. I never thought I could be the writer I am today. The Criterion makes you feel like you belong, we are a family. Even during a crisis we always pull through, and we do that by supporting each other. So, this is my goodbye. Goodbye to The Criterion, I will always support you and I will never forget my time with you.