By Victoria Cruz
News Writer
When I reflect on my time at the university, I am overwhelmed with emotion. To begin to summarize my time and experience here is extremely difficult.
I came to the university after receiving my associates degree.
My higher education journey has been anything but simple, but when I came here, I knew one thing: that I would make it count.
I joined WSIN radio, an organization I am proud to be a part of. The people there: John Alston, Kaiya Bryant, Gerryiki Williams and Julio Merced, made me feel right at home.
Then, I joined the Southern News. Being platformed as a writer has been an immense privilege I have not taken for granted.
Solé Scott and Professor Cindy Simoneau gave me a chance at Southern News, and their support meant the world to me.
The entire team at the Southern News welcomed me with open arms. Having the opportunity to be a part of something so significant cannot be put into words.
The opportunity to write for you all has been a source of joy for me, and I thank you for all your support.
The Reading Club became my introduction to student life. When an opportunity to join the club as the vice president came up, I immediately jumped at the chance. I spent the year with my team.
To them, I give my sincerest gratitude for my first place on campus. Since then, I have risen to president, and running the club with new addtions has been a wonderful.
Here is to the all the pages read and the laughs shared.
Through it all, one of the greatest joys has been meeting my roommates, Melany Villavicencio, Natalia Gillner and Tiffani Ramos.
These three women have been there supporting throughtout my campus media journey.
Whether it was accompanying me to events or encouraging me to get involved, they have inspired me to be my best self while being there for me in ways they will never know.
To know you all has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I love you all from the bottom of my heart.
Finally, I would not be where I am without my family. To be your daughter and sister truly is a privilege. I was lucky enough that my brother Brandon became a fellow Owl; sharing this experience with you makes me feel so lucky.
To my youngest brother, Daniel, I cannot wait to see where you go and the person you become.
To my mom, I thank you for showing me what it means to be a hardworking, passionate and loving woman.
To my dad, I thank you for your support and teaching me what it means to be resilient.
You all mean the world to me, and I would not be who I am without you.
And finally, to the university, I always knew I was meant to be an Owl. But thank you for showing me what that really means. It has been a hoot.
