What could one possibly think to say to leave a lasting impression on students, faculty and staff at IU Southeast?

For me, the experience of having the courage to step foot on a college campus once again says it all.

I never told a single soul outside other than my parents that I dropped out of a college two days after enrolling years ago.

I didn’t think I was ready at the time, or it could have been the influence of listening to those who were out and about, doing nothing with their lives.

I was young, naïve and stupid. Instead of creating my own path, I allowed others to create them for me.

Living the life by becoming a slave to the clock was not my idea of doing what I loved. After giving corporate and non-profit life a try, I decided it was time for me to take charge of my life. I couldn’t take much more of the abuse from management.

College began to be an outlet I chose for my emotions so I could reinvent myself mentally and socially. So many black men never make it to the college experience, and I wanted to prove I was not going to be among the statistics.

I remember when I walked on campus, and the first person I met was Michelle Turner-Snow, admissions counselor.

She was this kind spirit who told me if I wanted change, I had to be the change I wanted to see. I never thought about that until she made me aware I had the power to take control.

I found myself hooking up with so many power players like June Huggins, director of the Mentoring Center, Kathy Corbean, former associate director of Campus Life, and Jackie Love, former director of the Office of Equity and Diversity, to name a few.

Each of these women told me to take college at my own speed and make an experience out of it.

Those words are so true to heart. In order to have a good college experience, you have to be willing to allow yourself to open up and embrace life.

I’ve never done that before. When I did, it felt good.

I began expressing myself more in the form of words, and I found myself reading and writing poetry, as well as stating my opinion. Words became my primary outlet of developing the voice you hear today.

Even when an English professor accused me of plagiarizing because “I didn’t talk like I wrote,” that didn’t deter me from wanting to become an accomplished writer. I was down, but I got up, got through it and definitely rebounded from it.

Journalism has become my saving grace. I’ve never put so much emphasis and enthusiasm in something I loved so much.

A moron once said broadcast journalists were “half-journalists,” but I beg to differ. We are journalists with the art of storytelling. The words often printed on paper are given life by our animated voices.

When I hear negative things of this nature, it only fuels my passion to work harder.

The opportunities I had to show off my skills as a journalist gave me deep appreciation for those who have years ahead of me in the business.

As Fiona Crack, senior producer of the British Broadcasting Corporation’s “World Have Your Say” described, “You are a force to be reckoned with, and you may be coming for my job someday.”

The compliments I received from everyone made me believe I could do anything I want to as long as I believe in myself.

I’m truly blessed and honored to be the first African-American editor to grace the pages of The Horizon.

This experience has meant so much to me because I refused to become just another nameless face on campus. Once people got to know me, they were going to love me.

A special thank you goes out to Desiree Smith and David Woodson, newscast editors. I couldn’t have had as successful of a semester if you all weren’t there for me. I will cherish our times forever.

I would also like to thank Ron Allman, associate professor of journalism, and Torrie Caffee, adjunct professor of journalism, for trusting me with the direction and production of the newscast.

I learned everything doesn’t have to be perfect as long as I put forth the effort. Thank you for your tools and tips that I will utilize when going to my next exit on the freeway of life.

Thank you, IU Southeast, for putting the joy in this journey. I will remember the good people always.

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By C.J. DANIELS

Senior Newscast Editor

chdaniel@umail.iu.edu