Four years and 79 articles later, it’s hard to believe that I’m finally saying goodbye to the East Tennessean. As finals week approaches, I can assure you that I won’t miss studying for tests and writing research papers. I will, however, miss this newspaper.

The East Tennessean has provided me with a solid background in journalism that I’m certain will help propel my career. I have always felt that the ET is a very important part of campus life at ETSU because it gives students a platform to express their concerns and thoughts.

It also provides mass communications students with important experience that can only be learned outside the classroom.

In the past four years, I have written articles about everything from SGA concerts to campus-dominating squirrels.

I have interviewed students, faculty, staff, activists, musicians and survivors of war in Sudan and Liberia.

Perhaps my favorite topic, however, was during my time studying abroad at the University of Ghana in 2008. Thanks to many of my readers, I was able to raise about $2,000 for an orphanage in desperate need of help outside Ghana’s capitol, Accra.

The kids at that orphanage changed my life, and I’ll be going back late this summer to film a documentary about orphanage corruption and to volunteer.

Right now it’s hard to imagine the ruggedly beautiful coast of Ghana while I’m surrounded by an ever-growing to-do list.

I’m amazed that ETSU still claims to recognize “dead week,” and I can honestly say that in four years I have never seen one.

While discussing this with a fellow staff member at the ET, she explained that it is because you feel dead during this week. It makes perfect sense.

This week alone I had three final exams, two papers and an oral presentation due. I am completely exhausted and drained of all academic abilities. Senioritis has officially set in, and I will be very happy when this is all over.

Overall, I’ve enjoyed my time in Johnson City. ETSU is truly located in one of the most beautiful areas in Appalachia, especially if you’re into hiking and camping like me.

The music scene isn’t too shabby either. I’ve witnessed many a musician playing their heart out in the Acoustic Coffehouse, Cahootenany’s and the Hideaway.

My experience here, however, would have been very different if I hadn’t made the decision to write for the East Tennessean. By becoming a staff writer, and later news editor and executive editor, I met alot of interesting people and found out about many organizations and student groups on campus.

Next semester, Kayla Carter will be taking over as executive editor. I have great hopes for the ET and I encourage all students to read the paper and stay up-to-date with the happenings around campus.

If you, or your campus group, have an issue that needs to be addressed, e-mail the ET, or send in a letter to the editor. Use this newspaper as a platform and let your voice be heard.

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