Over the last three-and-a-half years, I’ve made a lot of mistakes. I’ve done a lot of things I regret academic-wise. 

I joined a sorority my first semester and all hell broke loose. I was struggling in my classes; I was too busy; I had two jobs to pay my dues and tuition, and I was simply miserable. 

I hated my medical-based major and did not feel fulfilled in any aspect of college life. I was desperate to get away from my full plate and went home almost every weekend, which was over two hours away. 

During my third semester at UCA, and after my third panic attack of the week, I decided to have an emergency meeting with my adviser — Jessica Remetic, you are the sweetest lady. Thank you for everything. Thank you for believing in me when my answer as to why I was switching my exercise science major to journalism was simply because I like books.

When I changed my major, it felt like an obese elephant had been removed from my chest. After the switch, I decided to take summer classes to catch up. Imagine my surprise when I realized I would be graduating a semester early despite the curveball I had thrown at myself. 

After almost two years of forced participation, I dropped my sorority, moved out of the dungeon — I mean sorority house, and got an apartment with my best friend, whom I still live with today. Brooklyn Inscore, thank you for being my rock. I will forever wish we had met sooner. 

Entering the journalism department was the most nerve-wracking and beneficial thing I’ve ever done for myself. Through this, I joined The Echo, which has provided me with some of the best people in my life and opportunities for growth in a dying industry that I hope to help breathe life back into one day. 

I’m not sad to be graduating — I’m ready. I’m ready for the next chapter of my life. I don’t know what it looks like, but I’m thrilled to figure out why I was put on this earth. I’m ready to prove to myself and others that I am a force to be reckoned with, and my name will be known. 

I want to thank Mia Waddell, my reigning Editor-in-Chief and someone I’m honored to be graduating with. Thank you for pushing me when I didn’t feel like I was good enough to be an editor, being a friend when I needed one, and being a role model for me to look up to, even when you didn’t want to be. I’ve always put you on a pedestal and I will never stop. 

Thank you to Rob Moritz, who helped me get my internship at the Jonesboro Sun, was blunt with his feedback and had faith in me when I showed myself no mercy. Beginning Reporting was one of the most important classes of my life, and I thank you for that. 

Thank you to David Keith, the Echo adviser. I was scared of you for many months, I cannot lie. Your massively impressive expertise and passion for journalism have inspired me more than you will ever know, and you absolutely played a part in my decision to continue school and obtain my master’s, something I never thought I was capable of. 

Thank you to Gretchen Bullinger — you unknowingly threw me a life preserver when I was silently drowning. You helped me find joy in the classes I struggled with, laugh when I wanted to cry and find the silver lining in any bad situation I’ve encountered over the last few months. Thank you for never judging me, even when you definitely had the right to. I have no doubts that we will keep in touch for a very long time. 

Thank you to The Echo and all the amazing people I’ve had the pleasure to know and write alongside. You guys have helped me on this journey of finding myself, and I love you all dearly. I can’t wait to see what you all do next — especially Emily Kennard, Mary LeSieur and Madison Ogle. I love you girls.

UCA has been one of my life’s most stressful yet gratifying experiences, and I owe this university everything for helping me find my passion again. 

I’m honored to walk across the stage in less than two weeks. I know younger Hannah would be so confused, proud and humble with this achievement. One I honestly never thought I was capable or worthy of, but I am. I know that now.