I am a journalist.
Not because I am deeply invested in politics or carry a notepad and pen in my back pocket, but because that has been the lifestyle I’ve lived over the past four years.
I began my career at The Scout first semester freshman year – and let me tell you, I had no idea what I was getting into.
The Scout has defined my four years at college. I have spent countless hours writing stories, tracking down sources, thinking about distribution and the next paper ahead. Without realizing, I often found myself jotting down great story ideas from things I heard in casual conversations with others or in class. On weeks we didn’t have a paper, I drove myself crazy with boredom.
Being a part of the student newspaper was the best decision I have made at Bradley. The Scout has taught me many things I didn’t learn in the classroom, and helped define what I wanted my future to be.
As a student editor I have had the opportunity to experience a different side of student life. Not many students can say that they have been in the same room as retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, watched a Bradley Police officer literally chase down a robbery suspect or participated in an intense five minute walking press conference with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. All of these experiences and more are ones that I have learned from and will never forget.
As I finish up my fourth and final year, I have many mixed emotions. While I want to take a victory lap and celebrate my last Scout article, I am also disappointed that it’s over. During the past four years, I have contributed to more than 90 issues of The Scout and have written more than 200 articles. Believe it or not, I’m going to miss interviewing, writing and editing on a weekly basis. I am honestly sad to leave.
There are a lot of things I will take with me as I cross the stage at graduation. The memories of Pi Phi, living in my off-campus house in the dead heat of summer, day drinking, late nights at Sully’s, Wings, Pan-Fra Sing and some of the great friends I’ve made at Bradley. But above all, I will take The Scout with me.
To those who are just starting their Bradley career, don’t hesitate to get involved on campus and don’t be afraid if you are in over your head – those experiences are valuable and can change you for the better.
Madeline is the Scout managing editor. She is a senior journalism major from Downers Grove.
Direct questions, comments and other responses to mmgregory@mail.bradley.edu.
