My time at the Daily has come to a close. While I graduated in December, I was able to stick around for another semester and now it’s officially over. 

I’m in a reflecting mood so let me ramble. The other week, I went through a stack of past Daily’s reflecting on this story and that picture. I can’t believe how far I’ve come from enjoying my first dslr camera in high school to making a career out of it. Now, I can’t see myself doing anything else. 

I remember when I worked on my first story at the Capitol, only two and half years ago. I was so nervous that I forgot my memory card in the car and had to run half a mile back to the car to get it.

My first piece of advice I got when I started was, “don’t mess up.” I realized how much truth came from that in my first couple of months. The learning curve was fast, and I was challenged more than I ever was before. I have to admit, the Daily was harder than college, but I’m more prepared for a job than college could ever have done for me. 

The other week when my family was in town, one of my family members asked me, ” if you could do anything as a job, what would it be?” 
“Uhh well taking pictures…”
“No I mean anything. Are you doing the job you’ve always wanted to do?”

I’m not trying to sound cliche, but yes, I am. I can’t imagine doing any job without a camera. I’ve been privileged to work and be surrounded by people that pushed me to be better. I’ve also been privileged to return the favor and teach people how to use their first dslr camera. My job gives back and I wouldn’t change my career path no matter how many people tell me there are no jobs out there! So here’s to the Daily, and all the people who were with me along the way. Cheers.