I am always finding passion in the most random things: plants, cats, tarot cards and so many others. One passion that is not necessarily random is reporting. I find myself loving every aspect of my job — from interviewing and writing to editing and layout

My time at the Evergreen has been a wild journey. And it is only going to get better. I am stepping away from the managing editor position, and I am going to be the editor-in-chief for the spring 2022 semester. 

I do not know how I got here; I applied for every position on a whim and found my home away from home. I am a part of a family that I am beyond thankful for. 

I have spent this entire semester creating connections with all of my editors, reporters and photographers. I made connections with my sources for articles and columns. I thought I did everything I could possibly imagine this semester. But when the end of the semester was approaching and applications were due, I found that I could not just leave the Evergreen. 

I arrived at WSU in fall 2019 after transferring from WSU Tri-Cities (a rather small campus in my hometown). I felt like an outsider; I felt like I would never belong. That entire school year, I kept to myself. I did not make friends, and I did not put myself out there. 

After joining the Evergreen, I struggled. I still felt like an outsider; I was a brand new editor and reporter. After the first semester, I finally overcame my shyness and decided to put myself out there. 

When I say I made friendships that will last a lifetime, I am 100 percent serious. I found people that made me a better person. They taught me so much about not only reporting and editing, but about life itself. 

Emma Ledbetter taught me to always approach people with kindness no matter what my emotions are. She taught me that no matter what I am going through, other people are also going through things. 

Meghan Henry taught me to believe in myself and love myself. She showed me that I am just as important as everyone else, no matter what I think. She pushed me to focus on self-care and take time for myself rather than focus on everyone and everything else in the world.

Loren Negron taught me not only proper editing skills, but that it is okay to tell someone the truth and to always be honest. She taught me how to approach every situation logically and not react with my emotions, but to step back and analyze properly.

Nick Gibson taught me not to take things too seriously and that it is okay to laugh about myself and situations. He taught me to encourage everyone around me and guide them toward greatness.

Without these people, I would not be who I am now. There are definitely many more people I could give thanks to, but the list would be way too long. Every single person at the Evergreen taught me something new. 

And my goal as editor-in-chief is to do the same for others. I want to be the person they can come to, no matter what. Whether it be with a work problem or a personal problem, my door will always be open. 

The Evergreen is not just a newspaper, it is a family. It is my family. And I will do whatever it takes for everyone to know that community. 

With the semester coming to an end and Christmas break coming, I will spend that time reflecting and planning for an amazing spring semester. I cannot wait for you all to follow along on that journey. 

Sandi Kobiesa, signing off as managing editor and taking my place as editor-in-chief.