It’s hard to comprehend that my time at UCA is coming to an end. Of course, the pandemic threw a wrench in my college experience, but, boy oh boy, time does fly when you’re having fun (and rolling in nonstop assignments). 

When I was first toiling with the idea of college, I had my heart set on going to the University of Arkansas. I am so happy my scholarship opportunities had other ideas. 

By choosing UCA, I didn’t realize I was taking a step toward a meaningful education with professors that care — professors like David Keith.

Not only has DK been my professor multiple times, but he has also been the adviser for The Echo for the five semesters I have been on staff and my mentor for my honors capstone. Even if I tried, I couldn’t escape him. 

Fortunately for me and the rest of the students that have had DK, he has been an integral part of my college career. He has provided important guidance in navigating the field of journalism. 

A few other professors that have contributed to my college experience — some through just one course I have taken with them — are Allison Wallace, Donna Stephens, Douglas George, Polly Walter, Jane Dahlenburg, Ellen Hostetter, John Toth, Doug Corbitt and Dylan McLemore. 

While at UCA, I have been fortunate enough to be a member of the honors college as well. I have had the opportunity to experience an interdisciplinary education — the only kind available in the state of Arkansas — that helped me learn more about myself, the importance of community and the complexities of societal systems. This type of education exposed me to content I would not have interacted with and people from various majors I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise.

Another guiding light that I will carry with me into my journalism career was my time with The Echo. Through the years, I have served as news editor, entertainment editor, online editor and editor-in-chief. 

In these positions, I have been lucky enough to learn journalism through a type of “field experience.” Although my field mostly encompassed UCA’s campus, it was still integral to learning how to connect and communicate with the UCA community. 

Thanks to The Echo, I got to meet people by reporting on different assignments that I probably wouldn’t have. I also got to know and grow alongside the incredible Echo staff with characters that I can’t even make up — yes, Maddie and Mia, I’m talking about you. 

One regret I have, and advice I would give, is to have more fun in college — it will help you do better at assignments, I promise. Life is all about balance and college is the same way. If you are working all the time, you will burn out. Take care of yourself. Eat well, go for a run and do some damn yoga. 

Most importantly, value your time with your friends because there is no guarantee you will all be living down the hall, down the road, or in the same city all at once again. Four years sneak up on you quickly. 

Shoutout to my roommate of four years, Ally Shook. She often reminded me to not take myself too seriously and always provided comedic relief when I needed it the most. 

I would also like to give a special shout out to Felicity Auxier, Peyton Tolliver, Montana Cramer, Erica Reaser, Mia Waddell, Madison Ogle, Courtney Shepherd and Addi Freeman. 

Finally, shoutout to the Den and King’s Live Music. I can’t forget my nights on the karaoke stage, no matter how hard I try.