The spring semester often brings mixed feelings.
The sun and flowers are happy and create a joyous atmosphere. However, every May brings about a time for goodbyes.
This year, it is my turn.
Had someone told me my freshman year that I would become editor-in-chief of The Argonaut, I wouldn’t have believed it. Me? Being in charge of the best student newspaper in Idaho? And yes, I will forever believe it is the best. Oh, please. I was just some student from the middle of nowhere, small-town Idaho.
Yet, here I am. A week away from graduating. Having been part of one of the best experiences the University of Idaho has to offer.
We have done some great work, and I know the students here will continue to do great work. It is our legacy, and I know all of us graduating from The Argonaut, and Student Media, look forward to seeing next year’s students grow.
But more importantly than being part of something like The Argonaut, when I walked into the newsroom four years ago, I never would have imagined I had just stumbled upon my family.
They have seen me at my worst and at my best, but they never once abandoned me. As sappy as it sounds, I know I would be nothing without them.
My experience was defined as early as the second Shawn O’Neal took my application into the newsroom, and it has been shaped by some of the greats like Theo Lawson, Kaitlin Moroney, Kaitlyn Krasselt, Amber Emery and Katelyn Hilsenbeck. They showed me what it takes to do my job and helped me become a great reporter, leader and person.
Then, there are the people I’m graduating with.
Jack, Erin, Josh, Lyndsie, Kevin.
To say that they are like family is an understatement. They purely are family.
They have put up with me for the better part of four years (or three, since Lyndsie is an overachiever), and have only complained about my ridiculous ideas a few times. They have been my strongest supporters, my best critics and the ones I know I can always rely on.
So thank you, you five. I know I have been forever changed because of you in the best way possible.
I love you all and can’t wait to see how you succeed in your lives.
I wish the same for all of those graduating this year.
This is the class of 2017. We are some of the strongest people the world knows, and we have what it takes to change what needs changing. We give voices to the voiceless and help our neighbors when they fall.
That is who we are and who we should forever remain to be.
With much love,
Claire
Claire Whitley can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Cewhitley24