Editor’s Note: “-30-” has traditionally been used throughout journalism to indicate the end of a story. Each semester, The University Star encourages its graduating seniors to write a Senior 30—a farewell piece to our readers—indicating the conclusion of a journalist’s time as an active member of our organization.
I remember sitting in my dorm room freshman year with an application to work for The University Star fully complete and never submitting it. Although I had made no friends my first year of college, I was too scared to put myself out there and meet new people even though it was what I desperately wanted. 
Finally, come sophomore year, I applied to be a part of the multimedia section. I had minimal experience with a camera, but I knew I wanted to learn more and that this could possibly be what I wanted to do in the future. 
I call myself an accidental journalist. I came to Texas State wanting to be a dental hygienist since I was in middle school, a stable job with stable income. Before I even started my first semester, I knew I needed something to fulfill my creativity. I always loved writing and dreamed of working in the fashion industry, so I thought journalism was the way to go. 
Joining The Star when I did reassured me this is where I was meant to be. I was taking advanced classes in multimedia while also learning how to be a visual journalist at a real newspaper. This launched me into the industry and allowed me to exponentially grow in every aspect I needed to.
Fast-forward a year later, and I was blessed with the opportunity to be the multimedia editor my last semester of college. Thinking back to my fearful, anxious freshman self, I never would have imagined I would be where I am. Although I wish I had joined student media earlier in my college career, I know I made it at the right time. I have learned so much that has prepared me for life in the ‘real world,’ and I have made friends that I could not be more grateful to know. 
The University Star truly gave me a place to belong on a campus with nearly 40,000 students, and I could not be more thankful to everyone that I’ve met— the people who contributed to making me the person I am now.