I’ve never known college without Central Michigan Life and I never would’ve wanted to. I walked into the newsroom for the first time as a wide-eyed freshman with only a couple of weeks of journalism classes under my belt, and it’s held a place in my heart ever since.

Though I came for career experience, I’m leaving with more than I could’ve imagined. The personal growth, friendships and memories this place has given me have been at the heart of my college experience.

I began here as a staff photographer and eventually became a photo editor. My camera and my press pass have brought me to places I never would’ve imagined — I’ve taken photos from a helicopter, front row at a bare knuckle fight, feet away from an injured bald eagle, on the sidelines of nearly every major sport on campus… the list goes on.

After almost four years here, I have no shortage of stories to tell.

But more than that, it is the people. As an introvert, that was the biggest learning curve I dealt with — I had to talk to people, all the time, on every assignment. It was terrifying, but for some reason, I just kept at it.

Now, the people I talk to are often the most memorable part of an assignment for me. A concerned grandmother protesting for her granddaughter’s rights, wildlife rescue owners trying to prevent habitat loss on their property, a paraprofessional who sees her younger self in her students — I remember each of their stories. And I hope that my photos can play a small role in telling them.

I am not the same wide-eyed freshman who first walked into this newsroom. As I close this chapter of my life in December, I am leaving not only as a stronger photographer and journalist but also as a more confident and empowered version of myself. And there are a few people I have to thank for that.

To Regan Foster and Jeff Sauger, I don’t know that I can put into words what your mentorship throughout the past three and a half years has meant to me. The way you both believe in me makes me believe in myself, too. Regan, you make the office feel like home for every student who comes into it. Jeff, thank you for being so invested in your students’ growth and for continually pushing us. I’m so grateful to have you both in my corner.

To my co-photo editor, Jo Kenoshmeg, you were the first friend I made here, and I don’t think we’ve stopped talking since. I’ve looked up to your work since we were on staff together. I think back to us being terrified to do our first interviews for Intro to Journalism class, freshman year. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into (we probably still don’t), but leading this team with you has been one of the most enjoyable and memorable parts of college for me.

And to our next photo editor, Mark Hoover — Your work has impressed me since you did your first assignment, but more than that, your drive, instincts and creativity inspire me daily. There’s no one else I’d rather edit 1,600 photos until almost 4 in the morning with. The desk is in good hands. Keep making weird photos.

To the first editor I ever had, Layla Blahnik-Thoune, thank you for believing in me. You showed me the qualities of a good editor that I wanted to model, and I’ve always looked up to you. And to Masha Smahliuk-Bootz and Lauren Rice, thank you for leading this newsroom with such kindness and grace, no matter what gets thrown at you. You both amaze me.

To our photo desk — thank you for your passion, thank you for picking up assignments two seconds after they’re sent out (you scare me sometimes), thank you for making Fridays the highlight of my week. Watching you all grow over the past year and a half makes me prouder than I can say. You’re the best team I’ve ever been a part of, and you make this place what it is.

CM Life has shaped me in ways I’m still discovering, and I’m so sad to leave this second home behind. I’ll carry the lessons and memories with me wherever I go next.

I’ll leave you with this: if something feels scary, it’s a good sign you should run toward it. Show up, be present, care deeply. It will take you far.

Ella Miller is Central Michigan Life's photo editor. She is graduating from Central Michigan University this December with a bachelor's degree in photojournalism.