Neal: Senior goodbye
Sydney Neal poses for a photo in the CM Life office Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026.
Three and a half years. That is how long I have had the privilege of working at Central Michigan Life. I’ve grown as a writer, as a woman and more importantly, as a person.
After spending two summers in the Detroit Free Press apprentice program in 2020 and 2021, I left with an understanding of what my next steps in life would be. I had the opportunity to be mentored by many amazing journalists who guided me to my path in CM Life.
Hearing non-stop about this organization is what made me come to Central Michigan. I knew I wanted to tell stories and cover sports, but what I didn’t know was how much of a family I found.
My college years have been a struggle for me mentally, but CM Life was always there for me. The joy I have for this group of students goes beyond words. Here is my attempt to express to everyone how much they mean to me:
First, Masha Smahliuk. You were in my first journalism class here. It has been amazing to see us grow together throughout the years. I am so incredibly proud of all your accomplishments and cannot wait to see all that you do at Indiana University. You inspire me as a journalist, as editor-in-chief and as a person.
Regan Foster. You saw a light in me and always pushed me to be the best journalist and person that I could be. I want you to know that I truly appreciate the impact you’ve had not only in my journalism career, but in my life. Thank you for always giving me my flowers.
To my sports desk. You all have no idea how proud I am of every single one of you. Everyone carries such a light in our desk, and I have loved being your editor for the last year and a half. To David Powell and Aiden Beckman, you both have grown so much throughout my time knowing you. I am so incredibly proud of everything both of you have accomplished. I cannot wait to see where you both go from here.
To Kaia Zimmerman and Ashley Birkeness, you both paved the way for me. Seeing women in leadership roles, especially ones that are considered “male-dominated”, inspired me. I truly admire your work ethic and who you are as people. None of this would be possible without you. I am so happy that I get to call you my mentors, but most importantly, I am so happy I can truly call you both friends.
To Olivia Garcia, Makayla Jarrett and Hadlee Peters, thank you for constantly supporting me and all my endeavors. You three truly changed my experience at CMU, and I am so happy to call you all my friends. You have inspired me in ways you can’t imagine, and I am so happy and excited to see you all flourish.
To Kathy Simon, you truly amaze me. The year this office has had would not be possible if it weren’t for you. Thank you for constantly supporting me and the rest of this office in everything we do. I am so grateful that this organization is led by someone like you.
Lastly, to the entire office staff. I am so proud of everyone. I take pride in wanting to hear about all that you are doing in and out of the office. It makes me so happy knowing that there are so many passionate and kind people working in this newsroom. I love every single one of you and thank you all for everything you do.
As I end my undergraduate time here at CMU and my position as sports editor, I am excited to begin a new chapter, starting my Master’s in Communication and becoming the next editor-in-chief of CM Life.
