Graduation season comes along with many unfamiliar feelings, happiness, sadness, excitement, anxiety, fear and thrill all at once. All of these things are felt and cherished inside hundreds of us.
I am thankful for all of these feelings, this university and all of the opportunities it has given me. Opportunities to join as great an organization as The Rotunda are not as easy to come by at many other places.
Being a part of something like The Rotunda is larger than any one individual; it takes an integral group of dedicated individuals, and I feel special to have become so engaged with it. The student newspaper makes a difference on campus and in the community, to belong to something of that magnitude is a true honor.
I started writing for The Rotunda freshman year with no commitment, just a contributor. It wasn't until sophomore year that Carly Shaia, another staff member, and myself re-established Rotunda Studios where we were putting out a small weekly broadcast. Towards the end of my sophomore year, the News Editor position became vacant and the Editor in Chief (EIC) at the time encouraged me to run for the position, so I did.
Taking on this role meant writing four or more articles a week, covering court cases, other difficult stories and managing a small news staff. This position was the perfect stepping stone onto running and preparing for EIC, the president of The Rotunda.
I ran for EIC, was elected and held my position for two years in a row. I like to believe I had many accomplishments, but I believe the future for the organization will be much more prosperous with the new leadership.
Being in charge of The Rotunda has been quite the learning experience. You discover what its like to take and bear true criticism, deal with real life situations that many others haven't had the “opportunity” to yet and what it’s like to truly care so much for an organization and a group of people for whom you would do anything.
As a graduating senior I have learned a lot, yet I still have so much to learn.
To those involved in The Rotunda and those who are not, never be afraid to ask for help, it may save you a lot of trouble one day. Always learn from other people’s mistakes even though it may not be the most appealing tactic.
College is about trying new things, so step outside of your comfort zone. If you’re friends care and it impacts the friendship, they aren't your friends. Know when to let toxic things go in your life, whether that is people or things.
The time you have here at Longwood is precious, try and experience every aspect of it that you can, never let anyone hold you back.
To my friends in The Rotunda, never be afraid to go for hard stories, search for facts that people are trying to hide and attack it head on. You are blessed to have an organization you can call “yours,” never forget that but never take advantage.
You have a great support system with your leadership, as well as your advisers, never feel afraid to ask their advice and critique. Critique is a crucial part of life; get used to it and embrace it. It is the best way to improve other than utter failure.
Lastly, being a leader means you won’t always be a people pleaser and that is not a bad thing, I just want to encourage you that when the opportunity to do the right thing slaps you in the face, you go for it.