By Jacqueline Arroyo / The Jambar
I was born and raised in Youngstown. After graduating from Austintown Fitch High School, I never planned to attend Youngstown State University.
I began college at the University of Tampa in Florida, where I spent my first two years.
Two days before my junior year at Tampa was set to begin, I made the decision to return home and enroll at YSU — a university I had originally never wanted to attend.
I wanted to leave home, step outside my comfort zone and gain new experiences — and while I did make new memories and friendships in Florida, returning home was the best decision I could have made.
I spent my junior year at YSU keeping to myself and working hard towards my journalism degree. But when my senior year rolled around, I was welcomed into a family.
That family was The Jambar. Although I didn’t begin working with them until my final semester of senior year, I was already associated with the publication through my News Content Creation 1 class, where I contributed stories.
When I was offered the opportunity to officially join The Jambar, I knew it wasn’t something I could pass up.
And I was right. I am extremely proud and grateful to have worked with The Jambar because it’s more than just a university organization — it’s the foundation of YSU’s voice.
Through my time here, I gained experience telling people’s stories, engaging with the community and forming friendships that supported both me and my work. I’d like to take this time to thank a few people who supported me the most during my time at The Jambar.
To John Ostapowicz, thank you for being the best editor-in-chief I could have ever asked for. Your understanding and patience helped me produce my best work while offering helpful and constructive feedback.
To current Managing Editor Raeghan Hilton, thank you for always being honest and telling me where I could improve. Whether it was b-roll or standups for packages, your feedback helped me grow, and I truly appreciate how much you wanted me to succeed.
To Copy Editor Katelyn Obermiyer, you’re a ray of sunshine that helps make The Jambar feel like a family. I appreciate the time and patience you show when editing a story. I can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next.
Last but no least, I want to thank Nicarlyle Hanchard, my closest friend from this experience. I always looked forward to seeing and talking to you, both in and out of the office. You’ve been the sounding board I needed, whether I was bouncing around ideas or unsure about how a story read. Your friendship means the world to me, and although I’m leaving, I know you’ll do amazing things.
Thank you, YSU, for the best two years of my life. I can’t wait to see what The Jambar does next.
– Jacqueline Arroyo