Okay, so I’ve officially become a career student. I don’t know what really makes it official; maybe it’s the fact I’ve been in school long enough to be a doctor. Really.

There are a lot of trials and tribulations some people go through to finish school, and for others, it seems to come easy. It hasn’t been easy for me. I’ve been working on it awhile, slowly plugging away at classes. The funny thing is, I don’t regret a thing.

I’ve met a lot of interesting people, many who became the best of friends, and I’ve done more things in the past few years than many people are able to do throughout their entire lives.

Traveling all over the United States and even visiting some foreign lands through school trips has proven to be incredibly valuable. There’s defiantly a lot more one can learn outside the classroom.

I’ve had some excellent teachers as well.

For the longest time, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do in life. It wasn’t until I joined the student newspaper at North Idaho College where I found that I could actually use my love for photography. Like others before and after me, I befriended an instructor who looked out for me as if I was one of his own children. There are few teachers one will remember later in life; Nils Rosdahl is defiantly one of them. With his help, I decided to transfer to Missouri Southern.

Transferring to Southern provided greater opportunities to travel. It also gave me the chance to work with, literally, one of the best college papers in the country.

It was in Joplin where I learned so many people remain blind to the outside world. It’s not their fault. Many people just lack exposure to cultural diversity. I suppose that’s why Southern works so hard with its “International Mission.” Traveling and learning about distant cultures is something I have grown to absolutely love. Photographing my adventures and showing them to the rest of the world brings two of my passions together.

I can only hope my career will lead me in a direction where the excitement will continue. I can’t see myself still living in Missouri within the next few years, but it’s not a place I will soon forget either.

“The Midwest at its best.” Who would have known such a place could have so much to offer. It’s only as good as one wants to make it of course. I’ve seen many people come and go. I’ve heard all the complaints. I’m sure I’ll hear more.

I’ve made the best of my years at Southern, but it’s also time to start a new chapter. I’ve finally reached the point where I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. With senior assessment day behind me, I’m ready to take the next step. It’s scary at times but also exciting, much like the time when I first decided to come here.

Believe it or not, I’m glad I came here. Thanks Missouri.

I apologize for the cliché closer, but I would like to give special thanks to my parents, Nils Rosdahl, Dr. Chad Stebbins, The Chart and all the other teachers who truly care about and respect their students.