I am really sad to be leaving Castleton in a week. I have met so many wonderful people here and made so many memories. 

It’s sad leaving it all, and honestly scary going into the world trying to find a job that goes with my major. 

I came to Castleton honestly not knowing what I was doing. 

I had been at Community College of Vermont for three years, during COVID trying to finish my double major associate’s degrees in accounting and marketing. I hadn’t really considered going for my bachelor’s. 

I always wanted to major in writing, but because I was in early college and I had to stay at home, I went with CCV. And CCV unfortunately, does not have any majors with creative writing, so I put that out of my head, and it was honestly depressing. 

I love writing, mainly creative writing, but if I can write it does not matter what it is, I will do it.  

I decided randomly in July last year I was going to go to Castleton for my bachelor’s degree in marketing. I was scared because for the prior three years I was either at work or doing school online and not leaving the house much, and Castleton seemed daunting.

I am a huge introvert and am not the best at talking with people. 

Then I saw the Spartan Newspaper at the Club Fair. I figured this is my chance to write! 

I was so scared to inquire, because I am not good at talking to people. But they welcomed me with open arms and have changed my life. 

The Spartan pushed me out of my comfort zone and got me talking to people. I am definitely still an introvert, but I am not scared to go talk to people anymore. 

I actually strive to talk to and meet new people these days. It also got me out of my comfort zone with writing. I had never done journalistic writing before, only poems and small stories. 

Journalism is a lot different, and I still have a lot to learn. But Dave (Professor Dave Blow) and the Spartan club members were all ready to help me learn, and keep me on the right track. 

I was really worried about being a newbie to this type of writing, but they didn’t care, they were willing to teach me and anyone else. Dave and Spartan editors gave me many opportunities that I would have not had if I didn’t join the paper.

I got to write for the Rutland Herald through the Community News program, which has been a great resume builder. 

It really has shown me that I need to stay writing, whether it be journalism or not. I learned through writing for the Spartan that I can get a marketing job where I can do a lot of writing. Even though I am sad to be leaving, I am so glad I got the opportunity to join the paper for three semesters.