Dear Readers,

This is my swan song, it’s official; I’m out of here. I have finished my last year as a student and my second year as editor of CSU Life.Leaving college feels weirdly final and it’s making it very difficult to say goodbye. As we all know it hasn’t been the most ideal year, and definitely not how I thought I would be leaving this school. If I’m honest though, I wouldn’t change a thing.

This year has been challenging to say the least. After a while, it’s hard to be flexible and stay hopeful. But ironically, I’ve seen more positivity and compassion from individuals during time than ever before, and I truly hope that carries on. These past four years, but more specifically the last two, have brought so many wonderful and kind people into my life. I’m so incredibly thankful for that.

So really, this letter is a thank you note to all of you. To the professors who made learning fun and exciting and turned classes into little communities; I appreciate the way you cared about us and wanted nothing but the best. And to the ones who made it more of a challenge, sometimes to the point I thought I wouldn’t survive; thank you for teaching me skills like grit and determination. Thank you for going through this supremely difficult school year with us and still giving it your all.

CSU Life has given me a new appreciation for this community. I have met countless wonderful people through interviews and appreciate anyone who has set aside time over the last two years to talk with me. Mostly though, this is a thank you to Kim, Kate, and Joe who believed in me from the beginning and taught me so much through endless patience. Thank you for allowing me to grow and learn. I had zero experience going into this and now I have more than I ever expected. Most importantly though, I want you to know the effect you have had on students. Two years ago, you didn’t see it but when I left the interview and accepted the job I did a highly embarrassing happy dance out on the plaza. I mention this because students will always need people like you who make them feel they are capable, they belong, and that someone has faith in them.

So, to everyone reading this, thank you, and I hope that you all enjoyed the publication as much as I enjoyed working on it.

Always proud to be,

Makenna Green