Four years ago, a misguided 17-year-old found her way into Alpine Village. She exhaled in excitement as she looked out her dorm room window at the stunning view of Pulpit Rock, anxious to begin a new phase of life as a college student. Today, that girl sits at a small desk in her Rockrimmon apartment, absorbing the luxurious Colorado air as she writes her farewell to the most electrifying four years of her life.  

When I came to UCCS on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was ready to break free of the prison that was high school and join the world as a semi-adult. I initially majored in criminal justice, because I thought I was called to fix the problems of the world.  

I quickly discovered criminal justice was a sad, exhausting major (no offense to the criminal justice readers out there), and that I was better off with a pen in my hand, writing about what needed to change. And then I discovered UCCS has no journalism major … hold this L for me.  

When I first learned about The Scribe, I had a class with former Managing Editor Nick Smith. I followed this bald stranger out of class one day and asked him how to apply. A couple of weeks later, I entered the Scribe office for an interview.  

I was initially hoping to write news. I wanted to write about politics and breaking stories and find a way to change the world. When the editorial team offered me a position in features, I was baffled.  

Looking back, I thank whatever stroke of fate pushed me into features. I opened my eyes to a different side of journalism as a features reporter, one that consisted of meeting new people and writing about the best parts of this wonderful campus.  

I struggled to find my confidence as a reporter during my first semester. I nearly quit The Scribe a year ago, tempted to finish the semester and never look back.  

But I stuck it out. I made a point to share my ideas, try new things and say yes to reaching outside my comfort zone.  

In the fall, I started Queue it up with Kay, my pride and joy at The Scribe. At first, I was just a girl way too invested in the Drake-Kendrick Lamar rap beef of 2024. My column blossomed into a hodgepodge of music content, some of which could’ve stayed in the vault, and some I will always be proud to reshare.  

I wrote my first sports opinion, roasting my Nuggets frenemy Russell Westbrook. I still stand by what I said. If we win a chip this year, it’s Aaron Gordon’s doing, not Westy’s … well, maybe a little bit. 

For the first time, I was proud of my pen, and it showed when my articles started to draw attention throughout the semester. I took the leap and applied for Features Editor as soon as the position opened.  

As an editor, I have been proud to watch my reporting team grow. I got to know their writing styles and how to help people thrive. Not only did I lead in a way I am proud of, but I learned more about my own writing through editing.  

I loved taking on new challenges as a writer and writing for other sections. I reached my goal of writing for each section of The Scribe, from satire to news.  

The highlight of my time at The Scribe was the morning I woke up to an email from our former Co-Editor in Chief right before spring break. A journalist from BBC World Service radio asked if I could join the show after reading an article I wrote about defending traditional journalism.  

Although the broadcast was ultimately canceled, I will never forget the shaky excitement in my voice when I spoke with Annabelle, the British journalist, over the phone. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of both pride in my work and grateful humility, which I never felt about an article before.  

 
I don’t know what the world holds after graduation. I feel anxiety swirl in my stomach every time I think about the state of journalism or looking for jobs. Part of me wishes I had a different gift, or a different aspiration in life, but I know writing is part of my purpose.  

To my lifelong Scribe friends, weekly readers and mentors, thank you. To the editing team who often dealt with my after-midnight messages and edits … sorry. 

I am eternally grateful that my path led me to The Scribe. Wherever the future takes me – Complex, please hit my line – I know these lessons will follow. Go play “gloria” by Kendrick Lamar if you want to know more about how I feel about this experience. Deuces, chat.  

Features editor Kaylie Foster.