To be honest, UCA was not my first choice. I was accepted into my dream college, but conditionally. Those conditions were I would have to take the majority of my classes at the local community college and one at the university.

I didn’t want to move nearly three hours away from home to not be at the university full-time. It wasn’t worth it.

So I decided to go to UCA. I heard they had the best journalism program in the state and my mother knew a journalism alumni who was a successful broadcaster in New York, so I packed my bags and headed to Bear Country. 

Looking back on this, I wouldn’t change how it happened one bit.

Coming into UCA, I was nervous because I didn’t have any scholarships and was attending school so close to home. I watched my high school friends stack scholarships and move away to different states and universities.

Everyone seemed to have it all figured out. In high school, I excelled. I took AP courses, was a cheerleader, a mentor to middle school girls, a debutante and ran a successful Etsy business. I thought college would be a walk in the park, as I was used to juggling many things at once. 

In my first year at UCA, I struggled with a couple of classes and questioned if college was for me. 

Everything that could’ve gone wrong my freshman year did: roommate fallouts, heartbreaks, loads of anxiety and a pandemic, but I managed to keep my eye on the prize.

I knew one day I wanted to be a household name when it comes to entertainment journalism and obtaining my Bachelor’s degree was the first step. 

It took a lot of focus, many nights in Torreyson Library, feedback from professors and lots of iced coffees from 7 Brew — but I’m here.

Dec. 16, I’ll be crossing the stage in the Farris Center with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, emphasis in digital media, and a minor in public relations.

Throughout my time here, I’ve received scholarships for my work in student media and awards. 

I’ve gotten the chance to interview and write stories about so many different and amazing people. I got to interview an NBA player and Miss Arkansas this summer during my internship, which I got from my work at The Echo.

None of these things would’ve been possible without hard work, believing in myself and the amazing School of Communication staff.

I’m grateful for all the knowledge instilled in me during my four and a half years here. 

I’m thankful for Beginning Reporting with Rob Moritz where I learned how to write a lead, and News Editing with David Keith where I learned grammar and AP Style.

Social Media Management with Riva Brown gave me all the tools to run a successful social media account and craft a perfect resume and LinkedIn profile.

Media Law and Ethics with Dylan McLemore taught me all the legal aspects of journalism.

Public Relations Techniques with Cozetta Jones taught me how to write a news release. 

Broadcast Journalism Production I and II with Angela Wiser taught me how to create a news package.

And finally, The Echo, where I received four semesters of hands-on experience working for a publication.

I can’t write a senior column without thanking my amazing parents and grandparents. I wouldn’t have come this far without them. 

I also want to thank my younger brother Cason, who is now at UCA pursuing a degree in journalism. Cason has been by my side these last two semesters, shadowing me as I covered events and helping me with camera equipment.

With all this being said, I learned that you can do anything you put your mind to. Your beginning doesn’t determine your ending.