I’m graduating in Castleton University green
Stepping through the doors of Leavenworth for one of the last times, I reflect on my time at Castleton.
We’re called Vermont State University now but I’m talking about Castleton University. Where the school colors were green and white.
A deep, rich green; Castleton green.
The same color as the dress I’ll be wearing when I walk the stage at graduation.
The same color I envisioned when I was accepted as a student, four years ago.
Castleton University shaped me. The first time I wielded my own voice happened in these halls, on this campus.
When I joined The Spartan, I wrote fluff pieces. However, as I’ve gone back and read those pieces, it wasn’t fluff. It was social commentary.
I wrote provocative pieces on society and how we fit into it.
I had an excuse to skip my 10 a.m. one time, but that was actually to exercise my right to protest, when the school tried closing down our library.
I cared deeply about my school and what I was leaving behind after I graduated.
I had professors like Flo Keyes and Denny Shramek who lit up a classroom with their personality. They taught me how to understand.
An understanding that goes far beyond literature and the walls of room 102.
I had professors like Dave Blow and Sam Davis-Boyd who introduced me to a world of journalism and storytelling.
I am beyond grateful for Castleton University and what it has given me in these last years.
I’m even grateful for VTSU for providing me with reasons to fight for my education, my professors, and the heart of this university.
As I bid my farewell to my dearest school, thank you to my professors, my friends, and the place that shaped me.
– Jess Emery
Spartan Online editor
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