I have always found countdowns intimidating. 

Ten… Whether it is because of anticipation anxiety, which has existed quite prevalently in my life, or because of the need to be in control, I do not know. What I do know is that I do not do well with a countdown. Or a drumroll. Or a graduation? 

Nine… For as long as I can remember, I found inspiration in places where I could not relate. For example, something that I have mentioned frequently throughout my articles for The Slate is my admiration for Hannah Montana. It may be because I was born in California, or it could be because I was young and dreamt of living her fascinating double life, or it could simply be because I found it entertaining as the 5-year-old I was. 

Except, that feeling did not quite go away as I grew older. In fact, my fondness grew stronger. So strong that my senior quote for high school highlighted that admiration. My senior quote, from “I’ll Always Remember You” by Hannah Montana, said: “But now, one more chapter’s gone by.” That stands true, even today.

Eight… When I think about my younger self, I feel a sense of longing. I long for what once was: carefree giggling alongside my parents who I’d color with, drink lactose-free milkshakes with or cry over math problems with. They often did not know the answers to those problems, but neither did I. I think that is what makes life so special. We are all just trying to find the last piece that puts the puzzle together, and who knows if we will ever find it. But we try. Maybe it is what we have had all along, or maybe it is the pieces we find along the way. 

I remember being in elementary school, and I was involved in the school’s chorus and band. I played the clarinet. Each year, we would have a concert for Veterans Day, and this hit home for me, as my dad has been in the U.S. Air Force since before I was born. 

Throughout my childhood, I had my fair share of both missing and being proud of him. Since then, I have always had a vivid memory of looking into the audience and seeing him dressed in his uniform knowing he is the most selfless person I have ever met — more than I could ever be. 

Seven… As previously mentioned, I was born in California because of the military. Then, I moved to Maryland. Then, I moved to Pennsylvania. We stayed here. Not only was my dad completely selfless, but my mom was, too. She spent her life doing whatever was necessary to make my dreams come true, even with the bumps in the road. Because of that, I owe my present and future successes to both of them. 

Six… Miley Cyrus wrote and performed a song during the fourth season of “Hannah Montana” called “Been Here All Along.” The song was dedicated to members and veterans of the military, and this song has always resonated with me because of the way that my life was laid out. To have such an appreciation for a character, person and storyline is special. However, what made it more special was that “Hannah Montana” had finally become relatable to me, and it helped me. A lot.

Five… Things became confusing for me over time, as my perception of the future was difficult to plan. I never had a specific area of interest. All I knew was that I have always wanted to help people the same way that my parents helped me. Thus, I began college early as a Ship Start student and the following year declared a journalism major. 

I eliminated the chance for a countdown for my high school graduation, though I still attended in May 2022. I told you — I hate countdowns. So I got rid of mine, and I began a new chapter before the previous one was over. (I know, this is frowned upon.) 

Four… I am now here, in 2025, about to graduate with my bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism and media. The countdown to graduation has crept up on me, but this time, I’m oddly intrigued by it. 

Three… The anticipation of what could be seems to be coming to fruition. With the help of my parents, professors, Slater friends and loved ones, I can say that I have finally found the place for me, and that is right here. In the now. 

I have appreciated my time here with The Slate more than I can imagine, and even though this is not our final print, it is my last “Your World Today Commentary,” which means that I am relishing in a space to be both sappy and thankful. I have spent years of my life writing about my feelings, opinions and thoughts, and that is not coming to an end, but within the next couple of weeks, it will be here at SU. 

Two… I am here to say that even if you think you do not know, you do. Trust me when I say that always and forever, your plan has been written from the moment you became. If you ever wonder why you are interested in certain things, how you have different talents than others or when your potential will make its presence known, just know that there is a reason for it all. 

One… And now we are here. The end of an era.

All I know at the end of the day, or at the end of this article, is that my inner child has flourished in all the ways that she expected to. She connected to her birthplace, her parents, in a way that means more than just the longitude and latitude of place. She lived her double life, both as an individual and a journalist. She grew into somebody who was entertained by her instinct. She was always going to be. 

With that, I guess you could say my undergraduate senior quote is: “Been here all along.” 

She’s been here all along. And I thank The Slate for that. 

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