If you had told my high school senior self that Moraine Valley would completely transform my life and leave such a lasting impact on my education, I probably would have given you a funny look. Back in 2020, I graduated high school during the pandemic with no real ceremony, no proper goodbye–just an abrupt and strange end. And then college had a quiet beginning.

I saw Moraine as just another step, just another school to get through. But three years later, saying goodbye feels like one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

This place didn’t just educate me. It shaped me. 

In many ways, coming to Moraine Valley was inevitable for me. This campus was part of my life long before I was a student here. My father attended Moraine Valley when classes were still taught in trailers.

But this is my story.

I grew up just minutes away. My kindergarten graduation and childhood dance recitals took place in the F Building. Every summer, my family came to Friendship Fest, always parking in the B lot. And yet, I had no idea that one day, stepping through those same doors would change my life forever.

I’m graduating from Moraine Valley in a couple weeks. In a way, this feels like my first real graduation, and I couldn’t be more grateful for where this chapter has taken me.

Through my time at Moraine Valley, you may have seen me in a class or two. Or you may have seen me in the Moraine Valley commercial, holding a snake, before a screening of a movie at Marcus theaters. I’ve worn many hats during my time here, including brand ambassador and president of G.A.S.P. club.

As a student, what changed my life forever was discovering other perspectives. Everyone here has their own story, something I learned as a student journalist, first for the Glacier newspaper and then as a founder and editor of this student magazine, Velocity. 

Every story, whether spoken or unspoken, lends itself to the larger narrative of this Moraine Valley community, a narrative of perseverance, hope and transformation.

Through my work in journalism I witnessed stories of resilience–of students who come to school every day not knowing what’s happening to family members who are overseas in a warzone. Students who go home after a hard day of classes not knowing if they’ll have food on their table. Students who are brave enough to tell their stories and use their voices.

Covering events such as a Take Back the Night rally and a vigil for Gaza has been incredibly powerful. At Take Back the Night, I felt an overwhelming sense of empowerment and pride in being a part of such a meaningful evening. There was a unity in the air that I had never experienced before, a sense of togetherness that was both profound and uplifting.

Similarly, the vigil for Gaza brought together people from all walks of life, and in that shared space, we all felt a deep sense of empathy. The atmosphere was one of compassion and solidarity, where everyone in the room genuinely felt for each other and came together in a way that was both moving and transformative.

I’ve had the privilege of telling the stories of students from all walks of life, each one expanding my perspective in ways I never expected. Without Moraine, I would have missed out on the richness of those experiences, and I would have remained unaware of the diverse voices and journeys that make up our community.

Every story, whether spoken or unspoken, lends itself to the larger narrative of this Moraine Valley community, a narrative of perseverance, hope and transformation. Here, I’ve learned the strength of collective compassion and the impact of coming together in the face of adversity.

My Moraine Valley story has been about discovering new passions. Making lifelong friends. And most importantly, finding myself.

I feel lucky to have been taught by an incredible group of professors who have left a lasting impact on me. I thank my wonderful parents for always being my biggest cheerleaders, for supporting every dream and ambition I’ve ever had, even when my path wasn’t the “traditional” one.

I hope you will think back on what your Moraine Valley story is and how we students will look back on this pivotal time in our lives.

Today, I know that the lessons, friendships, and experiences I’ve gained at Moraine Valley will stay with me for a lifetime. Saying goodbye is never easy, but I leave here knowing that this place will always be an important part of the story of my life.

Thank you, Moraine Valley, for everything.

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featured image graphic by EMILY STEPHENS