As we all know, all good things must come to an end, and thus I have come to the end of my time as Editor-in-Chief of The Trend. I’ve spent the last three and a half years working alongside The Trend’s staff to educate, connect, and inspire USAO’s campus. I could list a million different accomplishments we’ve seen across my time here – the awards or the recognition, which have been an amazing experience.
However, when I was brought onto the staff, the aspect of community and feeling like a family was emphasized so strongly. We wanted to build something that would last longer than our short years on this campus, and I’m happy to say that we’ve done that. I’ll walk away from this publication with many close friends who I value so much (and I’m so thankful for them all!).
My parting advice for anyone reading is just to try something – anything, really! Even if you aren’t sure if you’ll like something, just try it at least once. If you hate it…well, at least you’ll have a brand-new experience and story to share with your friends. It’s okay if you make a mistake or two along the way because as long as it’s not murder, you’ll learn more and be more prepared for the future. This is all really cliché, but that’s for a reason!
My last semester has been a mix of bittersweet memories and reminiscing, but I wanted to make sure that I soak up every single moment of my last 15 weeks – the moments with my friends and roommates, the cafeteria food, the activities and events, spending time with professors and mentors, and every unique moment in between. I look back and wish I’d been more active, but honestly, I’m so thankful for every opportunity this campus has provided me that I wouldn’t change a thing. This journey isn’t over yet, and I already miss it.
While my chapter with The Trend is closing, I cannot wait to see where the publication continues to go and grow. This staff is so talented and has so many ideas, I know only great things will continue to thrill our readers – and now I get to be just that – a reader.
So long and good luck!
Emily Loughridge is a fourth-year communication major at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
