Opinion Director’s farewell: ‘long and tough journey’

By Maytinee Kramer

It seems like yesterday when I first stepped into my college class as a freshman majoring in biology. It was a long and tough journey filled with indecisiveness, fear and anxiety, but I finally found my way into a double major of broadcast journalism and Asian Studies — a complete 360 of what I intended to do, but a decision I will never regret.

My time at FIU was filled with personal growth, friendships, hardships and joy. I had started out as a shy, quiet freshman, but through the pursuit of my passions, I had the chance to meet some of the most amazing people and make the best memories that really shaped my college career.

It was through my Asian Studies courses that I met some of my best friends and had some of the best laughs. I was able to really dive into my passion and love for Asian culture and languages, helping me expand my horizons while also developing into a world-wise person keen on discovering and traveling. I now look forward to traveling to Japan, Korea, Thailand and China with all the languages and things I learned under my belt.

It was through joining FIU Student Media that I was able to find my voice and come out of my turtle shell. Starting out as a staff writer, I gradually worked my way up to being a director. At first I was hesitant in even joining the paper, but it was honestly the best way to get involved, practice writing and meet new people. And look where it took me. I had the opportunity to lead people, make executive decisions and determine the outcome of the paper — something I never saw myself doing or trying before when I was a freshman.

At the paper, it was always refreshing and fun to laugh through the day with Robert Jaross and Alfred Soto’s terrible dad jokes. It was always exciting scrambling around and helping each other with breaking news. It was never a long day when we would all be designing the paper late into the night.

FIU Student Media is my family — executive board and staff writers — and I want to thank everyone for all the highs and even some of the lows because without any of them, I wouldn’t be who I am today, I wouldn’t have had the experience I have now, and I wouldn’t have all the memories I do now.

I cherish every moment and I’m kind of sad it’ll all end soon, but it’s just another chapter in my life and everyone else’s. I’m looking forward to my next adventure.

Take it from me, a person who once went around in circles trying to figure herself out — as you prepare for “firsts,” you are also approaching your “lasts,” so embrace them, make the most of them, and truly take the time to experience and enjoy all that college has to offer you.

Thanks PantherNOW family. I’ll miss you guys so much.

The views of this column do not reflect those of the FIU Student Media editorial board.

Photo retrieved by Flickr.