Working for The Oakland Post over the past three years has been nothing short of a whirlwind. 

I joined The Post during my sophomore year as a political science major, and I began my journey here as a political reporter. At the time, journalism had never even crossed my mind. I figured I would go to law school or work in policy. In all honesty, I just needed some extra spending cash – and I followed politics enough to write about it – so I joined the team.

Somehow, that turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Working for The Post is such a magical opportunity in the sense that you suddenly hear about everything going on around campus. You learn how things actually work, what administration really does and what issues matter most to students. You start to understand the stories people don’t always see and the inherent responsibility that comes with telling them.

Some of my favorite memories as a journalist for The Post include touring the heating plant facility when campus shut down, traveling to Pittsburgh on the student bus to attend the March Madness game and attending the Michigan Senate debate as press. There were some real pinch-me moments during my time at The Post – times where I had a press pass around my neck and a serious case of imposter syndrome, wondering how I got into this room in the first place. 

However, the best moments were not spent in press gaggles or hallway interviews. The best moments were the minutes before staff meetings, when the newsroom felt loud and alive, watching people slowly trickling into our small office, opening their laptops and multiple conversations happening at once.

Mondays slowly became my favorite day of the week, simply because I knew I would see at least 20 of my friends in one place. Being part of The Post made even the hardest weeks feel like something I would miss later – and I know I will. 

There were also plenty of frustrating moments behind the scenes: sources that didn’t respond, endless follow-up emails and more Freedom of Information Act requests (FOIAs) than I ever thought a university student could emotionally handle. 

But more importantly, there was the satisfying feeling of getting a story right – the adrenaline rush of hitting “publish” and knowing that you did honest, meaningful work. 

As I wrap up my time here at The Oakland Post, I have some people to thank.

For all my section editors and reporters – it’s been an honor to read your work, edit your stories and watch you grow. This includes our talented section editors: Addison Koch, Cael Tanner, James Elling, Marissa Getschman and Sophia Curran. Additionally, I’ve had the honor to manage all the reporters, all of whom have brought a unique flair and perspective to writing: Sarah Bulgarelli, Alexa Dudek, Jennifer Thomasma, Erin Banes, Madi Turner, Andrew McNamara May, Maddie Short, Mike Okoronkwo, Matt Lewakowski, Maryanne Sanford, Maria Magnoli, Sarah Wasielewski, Maryam Moss and Matilde Rabajoli. If you have the time, check out their work.

I always joke that I am their biggest fan because I technically have to read and edit their stories, but there’s something really special about editing at 10 p.m. on Sunday night and seeing what everyone decided to write about. There’s something truly meaningful about working alongside writers who genuinely care about getting things right.

I’ve grown particularly fond of Sophia Curran, who has followed in my footsteps, serving as the political editor and now content editor, roles I once held myself. I feel at ease leaving The Post in her and Maria Magnoli’s hands.

To the marvelous marketing and advertising team, including Ruby Hernandez, Maryam Somo, Alicia Gabbard, Capri Clark and Reagan Reetz, thank you for making things fun in an often hectic newsroom, and for making me look significantly cooler than I actually am on social media. 

To the wonderful photographers, including Ava Webb, Liliana Valenza, Claire Sanderlin, Matthew Vigelius and Evelyn Apahidean, thank you for bringing my words to life. Matthew helped me coordinate a fake stream of piss for my coverage of the OU Pisser, which feels like an apt summary of my experience here. One of my favorite memories will always be carpooling to Detroit with Courtney Blackett to cover the Seante debate — she’s still a good friend of mine several years later.

Thank you to the graphics team, August Wicker, Anna Friedrich, O’hara Diamond, Dylan Hecker and Ava Guest, for turning my chaotic ideas into stunning visuals. Zachary Oberdier remains one of the coolest people I’ve ever met and the only person I trust for beer recommendations. I also want to thank the graphics team for constantly listening to my ongoing love life updates and somehow always having something insightful to say. 

Thank you to our faculty advisor, Garry Gilbert, who has always advocated for me and my skills as a journalist. Garry always treated student journalism like it mattered, which made all of us take it more seriously too.

I’ve had the honor of working under five editors-in-chief, all of whom have had a firm, and sometimes lofty, belief in my writing. Arianna Heyman. Autumn Okuszka, Olivia Chiappelli, Chelsea Bossert and Adrian Jimenez Morales have all pushed me to tackle tough stories and ask uncomfortable questions. Their guidance has made me a better journalist and a better person. They also sat through more late-night FaceTime calls and rants than they probably signed up for. 

Somewhere along the way, this stopped being just a campus job. It became something I cared deeply about. The Oakland Post taught me how to ask better questions, how to advocate for information that should be public and how to piece together complicated stories. Most importantly, it taught me how to trust my own voice and how to be part of a team.

Leaving The Post is bittersweet for lack of a better word. That said, I’m leaving with full confidence in the people continuing in it. The underclassmen write and report with a level of precision and drive that’s honestly intimidating. The Oakland Post readers – you’re in good hands.

For my fellow Posties: keep on filing FOIAs, keep on asking the hand questions and keep on writing. 

 Please – for the love of god –  no Oxford commas.