Dear VALLEY Magazine,
Wow, my very last VALLEY article. I have looked at this laptop so many times, with an “Untitled document” open and staring at the abyss that is a white, blank Google Doc. I have typed millions of words on here for VALLEY, I’ve backspaced, left comments and written out gibberish when I didn’t know what to say. I’ve written entire articles in one hour, and also in the span of a week, putting down less than a hundred words each day. I’ve had interviews and pulled quotes and added “__ says” frequently, meeting new and unique people each time. But here I am, writing my last article for this publication, and now I wish I hadn’t wished all of my writer’s block away.
It has been such a wonderful journey over these past three years writing for VALLEY. While there were nights when I would bang my head against a wall to come up with decent pitches, I have loved each topic that I have covered. From my very first article, when I went and interviewed students who worked at the Penn State gym, to my cover story –– when I got to interview the vibrant Veronica Zelner and write about femininity, with all of its facets. Even though I cringe at my writing in some of my older articles, they were all a piece of what built me into a better writer.
They challenged me, each semester giving me a project to look forward to. I still have a ways to go to being a great writer for a professional magazine or some kind of publication, but I know that VALLEY taught me how to write vibrantly and confidently, which I am so grateful for.
I remember feeling lost when I first started on VALLEY, unsure exactly what my niche in journalism was going to be. I had sworn off writing sports and political journalism, but wasn’t exactly sure what else was out there. I felt nervous walking into my first meeting, hoping my pitches would be good enough.
But that day, I met Alyssa in the hallways before the meeting started, and sat with her. I remember hearing her pitches the first few weeks and feeling like my own were lousy in comparison. Alyssa’s brilliance and creativity pushed me to find my own, unique outlook on story ideas. She became one of my closest friends, and my very first journalism friend.
Our VALLEY journey has always been intertwined –– stitched together like a book. We used to dream about becoming editors, never quite knowing that we would both have our own editor in chief terms. I am always grateful that we were web writers together, and get to end our VALLEY journey together as washed-up web writers.
There are so many people who left their VALLEY mark on me permanently. Leigh and Sylvie, my greatest teachers who I look up to so much. Natalie, who has taken over the editor in chief position so flawlessly. Every writer on staff who’s creative ideas impress me every meeting. Vanessa, Dani and Greta who are masters at solving every WordPress problem.
The people really make the place, and this place is so special because of every member. VALLEY fosters the creative mind: the fashionable freshman looking for a home, the curious writer in need of a canvas, the 4.0 student looking for something more. VALLEY welcomes them all, and more.
To this club, it’s people and everyone that built VALLEY, thank you. I will try to look to my future with a smile as I move past college and this club, knowing what VALLEY gave me will last forever.
Related
A Love Letter From VALLEY’s Class of 2023
You Can Still be Something New at 22
College Graduation Gift Guide
Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was searching for! “We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.” by Johann von Goethe.
I’ll immediately clutch your rss feed as I can’t find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly permit me realize in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.
There are definitely a number of details like that to take into consideration. That may be a great point to convey up. I provide the ideas above as normal inspiration however clearly there are questions just like the one you convey up the place the most important factor can be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged round issues like that, but I am sure that your job is clearly identified as a fair game. Both boys and girls really feel the impact of only a moment’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.
Thanks for another fantastic article. Where else could anyone get that type of information in such an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such info.
I?d should examine with you here. Which is not something I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a publish that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!
It’s the best time to make a few plans for the longer term and it is time to be happy. I have learn this post and if I may I want to suggest you some attention-grabbing things or tips. Perhaps you can write next articles relating to this article. I want to read more things approximately it!
I just could not go away your website before suggesting that I actually loved the standard info an individual provide on your visitors? Is going to be back steadily in order to check up on new posts
Good ?V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task..
Utterly composed content material, regards for entropy. “The bravest thing you can do when you are not brave is to profess courage and act accordingly.” by Corra Harris.
Very good blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m totally overwhelmed .. Any recommendations? Cheers!