Well, the time has finally come.

It has taken six years, but I will be graduating at the end of this semester with a bachelor of arts in journalism.

The journey to get to this point has not been easy, nor traditional.

At the age of 20, I became a single mother. At that point in my life, school was no longer an option, but a necessity in order to secure the kind of life I want to provide for my son.

My son has been a constant source of motivation and when I look at him, I know that his future lies in mine.

It may have taken me longer than average, but  I have finally reached the first of many goals.

The journey to get to this point in my life has not always been easy.

To the contrary, it has been long and stressful and included huge amounts of coffee.

Needless to say, my journey is far from over.

In a short amount of time, I will be sending in my law school application to Brandeis School of Law.

Without the help and guidance of a few individuals, I would not be where I am today.

First and foremost I am indebted with gratitude to Jim St. Clair, professor of journalism.

I can say with confidence that if it were not for him and what he has taught me, I would not be sitting here today preparing for graduation.

From my very first semester at IU Southeast, St. Clair has given me invaluable guidance.

Whether it be helping me choose classes, organizing my undergraduate career or helping me work around the schedule I’m confined to as a single parent, the direction and help St. Clair has given me has shaped my time here and made it into the positive experience which it has been.

I also would like to thank Ron Allman, associate professor of journalism.

He has been one of the most enjoyable professors I have ever had the pleasure of working with.

It was the way he conducted his Communications Law class that led me to seriously reconsider my dream of going to law school and becoming an attorney.

Without the course, I may not be here today, preparing to send off my law school application.

As the adviser of The Horizon, Allman has provided excellent leadership and advice, and always allowed us freedom.

St. Clair and Allman have made the journalism program into what it is today, second to none in my opinion, and I feel extremely lucky to truly learn the trade under their exquisite guidance.

Linda Gugin, professor emeritus, has been another invaluable resource during my time at IU Southeast.

I am grateful for the instrumental advice and guidance she has provided me from day one of expressing interest in law school.

I treasure her knowledge of the law school application process, and she truly made me feel like it was attainable.

When I doubted myself along the way, especially when it came to the Law School Admission Test, she gave me great confidence.

Last, but certainly not least, I want to give a huge thank you to my incredibly supportive family.

My family has stood behind me every step of the way and encouraged me and told me the sky is the limit.

They have helped me to not only balance school but also work and motherhood.

While my journey to this point has not been the most traditional in nature, I’m OK with that.

My journey is far from over, but I’m well on my way.

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By ANNIE MALKA

Profiles Editor

amalka@umail.iu.edu