When joining the journalism program at Vincennes University, I was very scared and nervous because it was brand new to me. I knew that I enjoyed writing, but I never imagined myself interviewing and actually writing for The Trailblazer.

     While being a staff writer for the Trailblazer I learned so many different techniques to better my communication skills. I never felt comfortable with talking to strangers until it became a requirement. I had to go out and interview people I had never met before. And while it was challenging in the beginning, it became something that I was excited about.

     Being a writer overall allows me to build relationships with people from all over. However, I actually got the chance to build relationships with people that worked and served on the VU campus. I’ve interviewed students, faculty members and speakers who came in to encourage students.

     My journey at VU was a bit challenging because I struggled with math, I struggled getting up early for classes and I had a few run ins with the financial aid department. But none of that stopped me. It actually made me want to go harder because the more that I beat the odds and overcame the obstacles that were set out to destroy me, my vision became clearer.

     I knew coming into college that everything wouldn’t be easy, it wasn’t going to be a piece of cake. Honestly, my last semester has been the most difficult semester of them all.

     At first I pouted, I even cried and complained about it. But I knew in my mind that this was something that was preparing me to strengthen myself in those weak areas.

     Now that I am getting ready to graduate and head on to a new university, I want to thank all of the people that played a huge role in my success at VU. Big shoutout to my advisor Emily Taylor who stayed on me and also gave me chances when I didn’t deserve them.

     Special shoutout to Cortney Cross director of Multicultural Affairs for placing me in leadership roles to help develop my character and womanhood. And last but not least thank you, thank you, thank you, to Dean Davidson, who showed up on my behalf whenever there was a problem and helped me overcome my fears.

     Something I learned while being a college student is if you don’t believe in yourself, if you don’t have faith in yourself, and if you don’t put in the work to help yourself, you will only hinder yourself. The choice is completely yours, don’t come to college and joke around, come to be serious and better your future.

     And my advice to all current and future students is to take your courses seriously, work on becoming who you want to be although you aren’t there yet, picture yourself there, and work like you are already there.

     The sky is the limit, how far will you go?