Graduating senior reflects on lessons and experiences of last four years
COMMENTARY
Melissa DeLoach

Dear faculty, staff and fellow students,

There is no way that I can thank you all enough for your unending support and encouragement during the past four and a half years.

When I think back to my first semester, one that seems so long ago, graduation seemed far from my imagination. Granted, I knew it would come eventually, but at the time I was merely enjoying the moment, while learning to adjust to being away from home with someone else cooking my meals, having to share a room with a stranger and just trying to pass Statistics.

What helped me the most, though, was getting as involved as I could in campus organizations — anything to keep me from being alone. From hall council, Student Government Association, leadership classes, my involvement in Kappa Alpha Theta and my eventual move to Student Publications, I learned what it means to be a part of a university community — working with people with different goals and outlooks in life.

And beyond my dreams, I’ve been able to work at a national political convention, cover a presidential inauguration and study in Washington. Perhaps one of the coolest things I have done at TCU is help initiate TCU Welcome Crew through the Leadership Center.

Though the program was short-lived, words cannot express my gratitude to all those involved who brought forth their resources to help make an idea become reality.
Yet, the most fulfilling thing I have done has been participating in the historical record of this university through the Skiff.

While it has been difficult to balance my work with academics, it was well worth it. You all are a tough audience to please. While a struggle at times, the ability to help you better understand the world around you, by breaking down complex ideas, has been an ongoing challenge for me as a reporter, editor and past editor in chief.

When my sister, Chrissie, came to TCU in 1996, I envied her so much because I wanted to be in her shoes — so much so that I even spent my Spring Break during my junior year in high school following her friends through a week of their freshman experience. I went to classes, ate in Eden’s and met many professors who two years later began to change my life.

Every professor that I had challenged me. I’ve learned it is acceptable to question authority, think critically and take leaps that some may look down upon. I’ve learned what it means to be an ethical leader and the difficulty in making decisions that can affect a group. These skills I will take with me, wherever the road may lead me.

I regret that I cannot thank you all individually.

Thanks for the memories.

Melissa DeLoach is a graduating senior and news-editorial journalism major from Waco. She can be reached at (m.d.deloach@tcu.edu).