Smahliuk: A goodbye, with love
Portrait of Masha Smahliuk-Bootz.
I wouldn’t be here, and I wouldn’t write this final note to Central Michigan Life, without the kindness of others. I didn’t have the most usual path to Central Michigan University, but I met so many people who supported me, helped me, mentored me and gave me love.
Even before CMU, I was privileged to meet my host family, the Busches, with whom I shared so many happy moments, and who have always been there for me in the darkest of times. I am sending you so much love, and I am forever grateful.
At CMU, I met my husband Andrew Bootz. You are my favorite person in the world, and I love you with all my heart, forever and always.
But when I just arrived at CMU as a freshman, I was so lucky to meet Regan Foster, CM Life’s former director of student media and a true mama bear. Regan made CM Life feel like home. Her unwavering support and unconditional love helped me find confidence, inspiration and courage.
I learned so much from Regan, both about journalism and leadership. She taught me to be a journalist who values accuracy and fairness, and I will always look up to her leadership skills. She truly has a heart of gold.
Regan, I love you so much, and I am so grateful for everything you did for me.
During my time at CMU, I also had the honor to work with WCMU’s News Director Rick Brewer. I grew immensely at WCMU internships, and Rick is such a talented director. His professionalism and dedication to the craft inspired me so much.
Rick, your mentorship meant more to me than I can fully express. I feel incredibly lucky and grateful. Go Hoosiers!
A shout-out to Lisa McGraw and the Michigan Press Association. Thank you so much for trusting me with the honor of being MPA’s Fellow in 2023 and for all the kindness you’ve shown me. I am very grateful.
My time in the classrooms has been great, too. I was so lucky to learn from Jim Wojcik and Steve Coon. I always saw how much they care about students. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and knowledge.
I also knew Steve as the advisor to the Society of Professional Journalists chapter at CMU, and I am so grateful for all the support Steve gave us when we tackled investigative projects.
I also want to send my gratitude to Professors Jeff Sauger, Lori Brost, Zulfia Zaher and Jiafei Yin. I appreciate everything you taught me and the kindness you showed me.
Of course, experience at CM Life has been fundamental. Patrick Bouman, Zipporah Abarca and Aurora Abraham—thank you so much for believing in me when I joined the news desk as a freshman. I’ve always aspired to be like you, and it was so amazing to know you as my editors.
I also want to send so much love to my 2024-25 EIC Lauren Rice. Lauren, I miss you and your sunshine personality.
Thank you, Blace Carpenter, Grace Walker and Courtney Boyd for all your kindness and support. I learned so much from each of you, and I know that each of you will have such bright futures.
Sydney Neal, I know that CM Life is in good hands. Your empathy and bright personality truly meant a lot to me this year. Thank you so much for always being so kind to me.
It has been such a privilege to work at CM Life and such an honor to meet all the amazing and talented people. I send my gratitude and all the best wishes to every single person I met in the office.
And of course, thank you for letting me be your editor-in-chief this year. It’s been an opportunity of a lifetime that I’ll always cherish.
A couple more special messages for editors with whom I had the pleasure to work with this year.
Ella Miller, Jo Kenoshmeg, Mark Hoover and Zoey Morse, you are truly one of the best photographers in the country. It’s been such an honor to get to know all of you. Your professionalism and talent are breathtaking.
Noah Henson, the sports desk is so lucky to have you. I am so excited to read all the stories you do next year.
Mckenzie Nowak, you grew CM Life’s social presence so much. I saw how hard you worked this year, and I appreciate you.
Zoey Lawrence, the talent you and your team have is astonishing. Thank you so much for all your beautiful covers and designs this year.
Grace and Sydney, you already know how much I love you both. I am so excited to see how you transform the newspaper next year.
Blace, there’s no one whom I’d rather share this leadership experience with. Thank you so much for always being there for me as a managing editor.
To all the CM Life staff—please stay welcoming and the family-like people you are. Keep an open heart and always be kind. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this wonderful organization.
