By Alexis Rufener
Youngstown State University was my first choice in my selection of schools to attend. It is now the best decision that I made.
There comes a point in time where each of us closes a chapter and begins a new one. This time, it’s my turn to continue my journey elsewhere.
I want to thank my parents for their continued support throughout my many years here at YSU. Through being woken up by me in the early morning working on projects that I forgot to print the night before, to ensuring me that my projects were going to be great.
And you know what, they were right. Thank you mom and dad, I don’t know how I would have gotten through this semester without your encouragement. Thank you for being proud of me, because I am proud to be your daughter.
Before The Jambar, my mission for each week was to get through my classes, do my projects and to go to work. Now, I have a family that I wouldn’t take back.
Mary Beth: To one of my favorite professors, thank you for the necessary feedback I needed with each project in order to improve myself. Thank you for showing me the wonder of journalism. I now love writing more than ever. Thank you for teaching me the value of every story and that there’s a story everywhere I turn.
Dave Davis: I want to thank you for your continued support throughout the years. You were always encouraging me to be the best that I can be. I loved all that I’ve learned in your classes and I hope that your students next year appreciate it just like I did.
Mary Dota: I didn’t get the chance to really know you in my time here, but without you I wouldn’t have learned about ads, create a few of them, and get my hours in on time. Take care of the new reporters. If you ever need help with Gmail, you can always let me know.
Laura: You’re probably the hardest person to say goodbye to. You’re my little shadow and one of my good friends. I promise I will come and visit you next semester when you’re bored. Coffee dates will happen often. I know you’ll do great with design at The Jambar. This is what you’re supposed to be doing at this point in time. Never forget how awesome you are and that you’re going to succeed in whatever you do. I’ll miss you, shadow.
Graig: I’m happy that I got to work at The Jambar while you were editor-in-chief. I hope you have an amazing time at your fellowship. Knock ‘em dead.
Gabby: You’re awesome. I’m so glad that I’ve been able to have classes with you, learn more about journalism through you. I’m so proud that you’re going to be taking over as EIC. I know you will make a difference.
Gwen: We did it! We actually did it! I’m so happy about how close you and I got over the past semester. Whether it was working on our Nexus Grant or me creeping over your shoulder watching you design the front page twice a week, I will miss you so much, but I know we will cross paths again one day.
Sam: It brightens my day every time that you walk into the office with a big smile on your face and a story to tell. I wish we would’ve gotten closer during the semester. But, I am always just a phone call away.
Justin: Try to be nice to Alyssa.
I will miss all of you. I am so thankful to be part of so many organizations and to become part of a never-ending family. I am a Penguin, and I am Jambar proud.
