Powell: This experience means everything
Sports reporter David Powell poses for a photo at Ford Field for the GameAbove Sports Bowl in Detroit on December 26, 2025.
When I first decided to pursue a degree in journalism, my heart was originally set on going to Northern Michigan University. That all changed after my visit to Central Michigan University, and Central Michigan Life played a huge role in swaying my decision.
Fast-forward a few years, I am nearing the end of my college adventure and about to embark on a new chapter of life. As I reflect on my time in Mount Pleasant, I realize just how big of an impact that CM Life, and the people who make it up, have had on me. This experience has meant a lot.
The on-the-job experience that CM Life has provided me is something I know will benefit me for years to come. CM Life has given me confidence. CM Life forced me to leave my comfort zone. CM Life gave me real-world practice at being a journalist. While I understand I still have a long way to go and a ton of hard work to put in, CM Life has started me on what I believe can be a successful path.
But the job experience isn’t all I’m going to take from my time here. My work at this publication has also led to some of the most incredible life experiences I have ever had.
If someone had told me four years ago that I would have the opportunity to cover a football game from the press box of the Big House at the University of Michigan, I think I would have laughed. If they followed that up by telling me I would get to do the same thing just months later, but at Ford Field in Detroit, I would have thought they were crazy.
And yet, here I am, having lived through both those experiences and so many more. But, as helpful as the job experience will be and how amazing the opportunities CM Life has given me have been, perhaps the most impactful part of my tenure with the publication are the friendships I have made, and there are a few of you I would like to specifically thank.
To Regan Foster, you gave me encouragement and guidance when I needed it the most. You, of all people, know how hard I can be on myself, and you helped me look at my work from a different angle. For that, I am thankful.
To Sydney Neal, you have made for an incredible editor and an amazing friend. You've been a mentor for me, helping me grow in my skills and pushing me to become better.
You embody the type of leader that I hope to someday be, a person who understands the need for hard work but also the need to build relationships and have fun with your peers. Your work ethic and leadership skills are an inspiration, and I know the publication is in amazing hands with you as its next Editor-In-Chief.
To Mark Hoover, I like to think of us as one of the best one-two punches in the office, the perfect combination of journalist and photographer. The adventures you and I have been on while completing assignments for CM Life have resulted in legendary memories that will last me a lifetime. Thank you for being such a good photographer and an even better friend.
Finally, to the sports desk, you guys have made my time at CMU an absolute blast. From the March Madness watch parties to the weekly desk meeting shenanigans where it seemed like we never stopped laughing, you guys have brought more smiles to my face than I can count. You didn’t just feel like coworkers to me, you felt like family.
As I leave CM Life and prepare for whatever is in store for me next, I’d like to leave everyone with a message I have tried to channel throughout my entire time in college: take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. That’s how you learn. That’s how you grow. And that’s how you stumble upon amazing people and incredible experiences that you never thought were possible, experiences that you will remember for the rest of your life.
