“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” — Dr Seuss.

It wasn’t until the second semester of my freshman year that those words truly started to mean something in my life, and now, as I prepare to finish my college career, those words are at the very heart of my existence.

I never wanted to be a writer. I hated writing. I was always that English major who loved to read, but writing was never my forte. What a difference four years at Marywood can make. Creative writing has become the one thing that I want to do with my life.

During the spring of 2010, in finding a potential minor with my adviser, I signed up for COMM 115: News Writing, which was the best decision I ever made. I loved the class, finally found a minor that suited me and joined the staff at The Wood Word, finally finding my niche at Marywood. I knew full well that I only had one year left, but I took my editorial duties head on and never looked back.

Now, one year later, I am heading into the real world, which from what I have heard can be both scary and exciting. But I leave behind a group of people, both those who are my friends outside of The Wood Word and those on The Wood Word staff, who I will miss greatly as I move on to the next great adventure of my life.

This past semester has been great. I had an amazing internship opportunity at The Scranton Times-Tribune that I loved, took amazing classes and got to know some more amazing people, growing close to those who I may not have known previously. All of these wonderful experiences make saying goodbye even harder. But I know that this is a step in the right direction, and that it’s time for me to leave the nest.

So, to The Wood Word staff, thanks for a great year. To Dr. Lindsey Wotanis and Ms. Ann Williams, thanks for the opportunity to join such a prestigious newspaper as well as for your support throughout the journey. Thank you Marywood for four great years. I will never forget the memories we made together.