From the moment I got my first byline in my high school newspaper, I knew I wanted to be a journalist. Now, here I am seven years, three internships and one bachelor’s degree later, qualified enough to call myself one. Yet, I can’t help but ask myself, “How did I get here?”

For most of my college experience, I’ve found myself suffering from an extreme case of impostor syndrome. It feels like I blinked my eyes and went from my high school journalism class to sitting at a desk in CNN’s newsroom.

If I could offer my freshman year self some advice, I would tell her that everything will work out in time, and you deserve it all because you’ve worked for it. My college experience was filled with incredible opportunities and I’m so glad I didn’t waste them. I made amazing friends who accept me for who I am, and I couldn’t have done this without them.

I pursued my dreams and traveled the world on my own. The four months I spent in Amsterdam will always hold a special place in my heart. I became a version of myself I didn’t even know existed, and I am better for it. When I find myself doubting my capabilities, I remind myself that I moved to a foreign country alone and lived, so I will get through this.  For anyone looking to do the same, just go for it. You can make it happen, it might not be easy, but I promise you there are resources out there to help you along the way.

My internship experiences have also shaped my life. I remember the moment in eighth grade when I took a trip to New York City and came to the realization that this is where I want to be. I told myself one day I would live and work here, and I wouldn’t stop until that happened. The moment I took the subway to my office on the first day of my internship, a part of that dream came true.

I don’t know what is next for me, and honestly I don’t have a plan. That’s hard for me because my whole life I’ve been planning ahead, and now the options are endless. It’s exciting and terrifying at the same time. The one thing I do know is that if I am fearless in the pursuit of my dreams, I will be alright.

All of my life has been spent working towards these last few weeks, and I feel robbed of the final moments I should have enjoyed. I didn’t get to say goodbye to my friends and the campus that has shaped me into the person I am now, but I know that Hofstra will always be a part of me.

I’ll always remember the rush I felt when I first walked into Student Center Room 203, The Chronicle’s office. It was September 2016 and the room was packed with students for the first interest meeting of the semester. I looked around and saw people who I thought were the most put-together college students I had ever seen. In retrospect, I know that’s not really the case.

Over the last four years, I have learned that The Chronicle is more like organized chaos and I couldn’t imagine my life without being a part of this hectic and incredible organization. It taught me more about journalism than any class could. Journalism is important and essential to democracy; it doesn’t matter if it comes from a college newspaper or a major network. I’m so proud to be a part of a staff that holds people accountable while also lifting up our community.  I only hope now, that when our writers next walk into our office, they feel the same inspiration and drive it gave me.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve as managing editor during my final semester, and I am forever grateful for the staff that elected me to this position. I want to take a moment to thank Taylor Clarke for being our fearless leader. It’s an honor to be your friend and act as your second hand.

To my fellow editors, I’m so proud of each and every one of you for pulling through during this trying time and continuing to make our paper great. I have no doubt you all will continue to do great things.

To Melanie Haid and Gab Varano, there is no doubt in my mind that we are leaving this paper in the most capable hands. Both of you are some of the most hardworking and driven people I have ever met. Don’t let anything change that and always believe in yourselves.

Thank you all for the help and support along the way. I can’t wait to see where life takes me next.