As the year draws to a close, six journalism majors reflect on their time at Taylor University as well as the next steps in their journeys.
All the seniors have unique stories of how they came to Taylor. For Kenna Hartian, an email that was meant for someone else was sent to her dad, catalyzing her decision to come to Taylor. Others grew up hearing about Taylor, and after visiting, decided to attend it.
Whether they arrived at Taylor already set on journalism or stumbled into it along the way, each found their footing in the major.
Kendall Beck came in knowing she loved writing and never wavered.
"I've just been on the journalism track for a while, but I've enjoyed it," Beck said.
Katie Siedenburg, on the other hand, started as an English major before changing to journalism during her second year of working for The Echo.
"I really enjoyed it, and it really changed the trajectory of what I thought I was going to study," Siedenburg said.
For most of them, their time with The Echo has helped them learn hands-on, practical skills as well as connect with new people.
“I think one thing I've really enjoyed is how it forces us to make sure that we're in touch with the community here at Taylor, and that's regardless of what section you're in,” Caleb Heffron reflected.
Beck, who has held a variety of roles over the years, said that many of her relationships started from a simple Echo assignment and interview.
This journey has not been all smooth sailing, though. From preparing for interviews to managing their busy schedules, they have overcome different challenges over the years.
Kate Delaney shared that she was shaking during her first assignment with Stephen Olson, vice president for finance, out of nervousness. She had never done an interview in her life before, but as they started to speak her nervousness started to wash away. She reflected on how she has grown in confidence and really enjoys interviewing now.
“I think it's been one of the most formative things for me to go here. I would not be the same person,” Kate Delaney said.
Whether it is learning how to write in AP style or becoming more confident, the seniors have gone through experiences that have laid solid foundations for their futures.
"I have written several stories where I got it and did it within like 12 hours, that really is a skill," Hartian said.
All of them also pointed to relationships as a highlight of their time at Taylor.
“I've met so many people from different walks of life and different worldviews, and
that's been really cool,” Siedenburg said.
Heffron described the editorial staff's bond as something that extended well beyond their weekly meetings.
This was reflected by Dalton Keay when he said he was attending his editor’s wedding.
Now, with graduation just weeks away, a shared word many of them used to describe how they felt was “bittersweet.”
The biggest commonality between all of them was that it was not a coincidence that they came to Taylor, and the next step in their journey won’t be either.
Heffron, who is getting married two weeks after graduation, put it simply:
"It is a little sad that it is over, but I am excited to see what God has in store for me next."
Each person is stepping into something new, each carrying with them the skills and relationships they built over their years at Taylor.
