Saying farewell to a wonderful job

By Mallory Stiles
Editor in Chief

Well, folks, it’s time to say goodbye. I am already crying on my keyboard, so for the sake of this borrowed laptop, I am going to keep it short.

When I walked into The Lookout, I needed a home. Not a place to live, I had that. I needed a place where I could leave my heart, a place where I knew I belonged, somewhere I could be me.

Very quickly, almost overnight, The Lookout became my home.

I found people whom now I can’t imagine living without. I found my voice, but, most of all, I learned to love myself in an entirely new way. I learned to love myself as a journalist.

There are so many people to thank. I would like to do that now.

To my sisters and my grandmother, you guys are the softest spots in my heart. You make me stronger and give me something to fight for. Thank you for everything that was done to get me to this moment.

My sister Chelsea has always been more of a mother, but she is also the person I love most in this world. She has taught me everything from multiplication tables to how to file taxes, and I couldn't be more grateful. Being her little sister, while being tedious at some points, is my favorite job in the whole world.

Sammy, you are my girl! Our souls match and I couldn’t be happier about anything. Your presence in my life is invaluable. I couldn’t have done this without you. Thanks babe.

I would also like to thank my friend Jessica, who has helped edit on multiple occasions, but has also been one of my closest friends for years. I would not be here today without her.

My baby cousin Trinity deserves to also be on this list. She was the first one who asked to share my work, but she also held my hand through some of the darkest times in my life. Thanks Moo.

Mr. V, thanks, good talk.

Lastly, I would like to thank every one of my readers, including The Lookout Adviser Larry Hook. Everyone who told me I was talented had no idea how few times I had heard that. I have received more hate during my lifetime than I ever did love, but each one of your kind words made a world of difference to me.

I will never forget this experience, but I will ALWAYS miss this community. Lansing Community College is a place of possibilities and the proof is in my success.

I have to march off into my future now, but it is with a very heavy heart because I am afraid nothing will ever make me as happy as my time at LCC and The Lookout.  

Here’s hoping.