College induces soul-searching

Kateri Wozny -- Staff Essay

Journalist Arthur Brisbane once said, "Never forget if you don't hit a newspaper reader between the eyes with your first sentence, there is no need of writing a second one."

For the past three years that I have written for University Chronicle, I have always tried to live up to that saying. Journalism, as I have come to know it, takes a lot of patience and dedication despite how tough it may get.

There are moments where I may need a break and I will walk away from it for awhile, but I have always found my passion for writing since I was a child. I have always known what I wanted to be when I was growing up. Writing is something that I don't think I can ever abandon totally from my life.

My job as a journalist is to find the truth to both sides of the story and report the facts. I try to be honest and fair with whatever I write. If I make a mistake, I can only learn from it and move on. I am only human, and I need criticism in order to better myself.

As I leave SCSU for the real world (if I ever get a job) in seven more weeks, I am beginning to wonder if I have accomplished everything that I had wanted to accomplish while I have been here: did I have enough fun? Do I have any regrets? 

Most importantly, did I live college to its fullest?

I find myself still puzzled with this question that I hope to find the answer to soon.

People always ask me what my dreams are and what I want to do once I graduate. My dream is to become a reporter for a major newspaper or magazine. I might want to go back to school for my masters one day, or even do something with fashion or the entertainment business. The world has a wide range of options for me that I am ready to go out and grab.

The other dream that I have is to have a family.

It used to be that I wanted to go on to law school and keep going, but I met someone months ago who taught me that having a family and children are definitely an option. I am slowly learning not always to plan everything in life and to take a break and to slow down.

I have also learned to not take everything too seriously and to relax, have fun and not care what other people think.

The weird thing is that I have always known this, but it didn't really "click" in my head until my senior year.

I want to thank my mom and dad for putting me through college and for allowing me to chase my dreams. My mom and dad have supported me so much, and I want to thank them for putting up with me for the past four years.

My friends have also been very supportive of me. If I was down at the Chronicle layout night or at KVSC all day, they never ditched out on me.

From flashing for beads to having odd guys doing different things on our couches to drinking all night long to dragging my best buds' butt out of bed to hurry to class are just some of the fondest memories I will have with them.

My professors, managers and anyone else who I have encountered while attending college have prepared me well for the future and let me learn more about the journalism business.

They taught me that it is fun but very, very competitive. I am ready for a challenge because they have taught me well. A big thank you to them is due.

People may say that the Chronicle is biased, but keep in mind that the paper that you read took them at least until 2 a.m. to layout - sometimes longer depending on the issues - twice a week.

You guys are the best, and thank you for letting me write and edit for it and for the crazy talks. Your dedication is appreciated.

College is all abut soul-searching and I have more to learn about myself. I am happy that I have been taught well and that I am leaving my paw print on SCSU.

I wish everyone else at SCSU the best of luck on their journey and to learn and grow from everyday experiences.