One of my first assignments as a news reporter was to cover a graduate school keynote speaker event. I went to the basement of Raynor Library and listened to a speech, trying to pick out bits and pieces that sounded interesting. I stood outside the room after, sweating, nervous to walk up to strangers and ask them to be interviewed.

It wasn’t until I went upstairs, set up my computer at a table and began to write when something unexpected happened. As soon as my fingers touched the keys, the story just came out. Within an hour, I was done and I’d realized something: I think I might be good at this.

I’ve sat down to write many stories since then, and each time that feeling of accomplishment and passion returns. In my first few weeks of college, I had complete confidence that I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my career. It’s safe to say I’m luckier than most.

While serving as a news reporter, assistant news editor, executive news editor and this year, the managing editor of the Marquette Tribune, I’ve learned many lessons, made mistakes and taken chances. I’ve covered a university budget shortfall, faculty’s attempts to unionize, crime on campus and some of my most favorite stories: ones about the people who make Marquette such a special place.

With each lengthy interview or breaking news story, my passion for writing only grows.

I was always told from the moment I picked journalism as my major that I wasn’t going to make it, that I wouldn’t make money or that no matter how good I was, jobs in journalism just don’t exist anymore.

Even though to some extent, those sentiments are true, I knew something they didn’t: Gen Z wants to hear stories (maybe just not from a print newspaper).

I whole-heartedly believe my generation cares about their communities and craves good, true and relatable local news. This year alone, the Wire’s Instagram account’s following has skyrocketed, we receive emails and posts on anonymous social media apps about potential stories and people are sharing our work. It’s encouraging.

I’m looking forward to experiencing the future of journalism.

In just less than two months, I’ll be moving to Knoxville, Tenn., to work for the Knoxville News Sentinel as their growth and development reporter. It really is a dream come true.

Even though I’ll be far from home and away from my friends and family, one thing will remain true. In the company of a good story, I’ll never be truly alone.

Thank you to my family, friends, professors, mentors and colleagues and to everyone who has helped me get to this point. It wouldn’t have been possible without you.

But maybe most importantly, thank you to all of the managing editors that came before me. Your hard work and dedication is why the Marquette Tribune is such an integral part of the Marquette community.

Long live the Trib!!