To say this paper has changed my life would be a gross understatement.

The first day I stepped foot into the newsroom, I knew I’d caught “the bug.” I’d found something I loved, and I worked hard to get the shot every time I was on assignment.

And for better or for worse, this paper has consumed my world for almost three years.

From getting tattooed in Texas to chasing wildfires in the local foothills, The Channels has brought me some of the most amazing times of my life.

But more than the Pacemaker awards and page one photos, I’ll cherish the friends I’ve made in our leaky, frat house of a newsroom.

Channels alum Hannah Scott said it best, “Our students are even better people than they are journalists, and that’s saying something.”

I owe this amazing trip to the bevy of brains that have suffered and shined in our little lab.

Kyle, you were my first bud on The Channels way back when, and I’m damn proud of how far we’ve come. Your passion for seeking the truth is unflappable, and you’re the only person besides me who sees embedding in a hot zone as a dream come true. Let’s book those tickets to the 38th parallel soon, eh?

Brendan, your off the wall personality sometimes had us worried about your sanity. But those antics are what kept us all sane during those mind-numbing productions. Besides that, you’re a design master and a helluva photographer.

Cody, you’ve been rock solid all year. You’ll inevitably have some hellish weeks ahead as the next Chief, but you’ve showed all year that nothing can faze you. I couldn’t ask for a better person to hand the reins to.

Joel, it’s hard to imagine this is your first semester in the program. You stepped into the features section, hit the ground running and surprised us all with your talents.

Paige, I don’t know how you handled our all-male Ed Board so well. Others in your place would have would have been overwhelmed by testosterone, but you’ve stuck through it and done some great work.

Michael, the writer I met in J101 is a shadow of who you are now. From debating baseball’s superiority to covering soccer games in the freezing cold, I’m proud to have spent this semester working with you.

Connor, I’d never seen anyone get so upset about their work being edited until I met you. But that’s what makes you such a good reporter. The passion you put into every word exemplifies what makes this paper great.

Patricia, you challenged me to do my best work way back when I was a fledgling photog, and still now as I wrestle with the reality of becoming a wordy. More than two years after stepping into J101, I couldn’t be more proud to be one of your students.

Palmer, you’ve shared in the frustration and triumph of every issue. Lord knows how many nervous breakdowns you’ve saved me from. The Channels hit the jackpot hiring you. I’m thankful for everything you’ve taught me, in and out the lab.

I’ll be back shooting photos for a final semester, and I’m going to make the most of it.

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more!