A bittersweet goodbye

As I struggle to decide how to start this letter, I am sitting in a place that has been such a crucial part of my time at WSU.

The Daily Evergreen newsroom is a place I have come to almost every day since October of my junior year. To know something that has been a part of my life for over a year is coming to an end is bittersweet.

While I love WSU, my college and the people I have met here, I did not always feel this way.

My first two years here were difficult. I was not used to the east side of the state, I struggled to connect with people and an anxiety disorder I was still trying to figure out was giving me a lot of trouble. At one point I was committed to transferring, but that did not work out and I am honestly very glad it didn’t.

I will take away a lot from my time at WSU, but I think one of the biggest things I am grateful for is the strong community in Pullman and at the university. That is not something you can get anywhere and I am glad I got to experience it.

I would like to thank all the amazing people in my life who have gotten me through these last three and half years.

I do not think I would be the person I am today without the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. The faculty and staff have helped me immensely and I have learned so much from them and my classes.

I also have the Evergreen to thank for making me a better writer and reporter, and introducing me to some of the funniest, most talented and caring people I have ever met.

Mom, without you I really would not have made it through this journey. You inspire me daily to work hard, be strong and do my best. I can never thank you enough for everything you have done for me. You have shown me what support from 3,000 miles away looks like.

Dad, I appreciate the time you’ve taken over the years to get me to and from Pullman safely. I know it’s not your favorite drive, but I am grateful. Additionally, if it was not for you, I do not think I would have this bug for journalism in the first place, so thank you.

Zulfi, you have been such a driving force in my academic career and I would be lost without you. From financial aid to applications to resumes, you have always been there for me and I am grateful for the time you have put into making sure I am successful.

Miki, you have inspired me with your positive attitude, fearlessness and fun-loving nature. Without you, I would probably still be very shy and afraid to try new things. I am so thankful for the light you bring to my life and so many others.

To my best friends, you know who you are. Your love and support have been overwhelming in the best way. Life would be so much harder without you.

To my teachers, professors and advisers, thank you for believing in me.

I feel so lucky for the opportunities I have had, and I am grateful to WSU for providing me with so many.

Thank you and Go Cougs!