By Jesse Dolojan, Staff Writer 

Thank you. If this article is the only piece of my writing anyone reads, I’m fine with that. I am grateful to everyone who has read my work, the Newswire staff and editors who have helped me grow as a writer and everyone at Xavier for investing any amount of time in me.  

I have been a part of Newswire for four years and have taken on various roles to help the club. During my time here, I have grown as a communicator and a person. I have become more confident than that terrified first-year at his first meeting and that is because of the articles I have written, the meetings I attended and the members who have made Newswire as special as it is.  

I have seen many students who are now juniors and sophomores grow as well. I am so, so proud of all of you. Watching you become who you are today during my time here has been very special, and I am so lucky to have met all of you. Especially those whom I met in the first-year internship program. Whether or not you are still part of Newswire, I am very happy I got to know you and hope that you gained something out of the experience.

Just as important are the friends I have made in my grade. I am very lucky to have been surrounded by so many passionate, smart and supportive people. My friends I’ve known for four years have been incredible because they care about me not only as a writer but also as a person. They pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things, and I am very grateful for them. 

This positive, supportive culture started to form because of our advisor. John Stowell has been a mentor to myself and everyone else in the club. He is one of the most supportive people I have met at Xavier and has been an integral part of my Xavier journey. I am sure plenty of us at Newswire can say the same. 

Newswire also taught me the value of a collaborative and welcoming culture. I would not have been able to grow as much as I have if I did not feel comfortable around the Newswire members. That is why I think it is important to take that culture and practice it outside of meetings and even outside of Xavier. Some people just need to be told that it’s okay to believe in themselves and giving people a reason to do so can make a difference. 

Xavier is a great place because so many people come here with dreams. And that is something I believe is amazing: the fact that so many people can come to one place and pursue their dreams. But I, and many others, have realized that our idealistic visions are hard to achieve. So, it is important to have people in your life who will support you, no matter how impossible those dreams may be to achieve. Surrounding yourself with people who value you for who you are is important, and I am forever grateful for those people in my life. They will ensure you do not lose sight of yourself or your goals. 

No one should ever lose sight of their dreams. Some people are defined by their dreams, so losing sight of their dreams can be losing sight of yourself. Even when you leave a place like Xavier, being willing to pursue your goals regardless of any obstacles in your path is important. So everyone should keep their heads held high and do what makes them happy!  

As for me, I am finally graduating from Xavier. I am both sad and scared about whatever happens next. But I am also optimistic. If you think about it, the possibilities are endless. I can become a treasure hunter! Or, I can be the greatest wombat walker in the world! I will not be confined by reality, and I will only listen to my imagination. That is something that Xavier taught me: to be daring enough to dream and to be brave enough to chase those dreams.