June leaves recent grad reflective

Growing up and moving on with ones life is the happiest and saddest moment one can wish for. I am happy to be seen as an adult, to get a key to the office and to have my parents start to loosen the apron strings. At the same time it is hard for me to say goodbye to childhood and the comfort of home.

I graduated from Moses Lake High School June 8 and then drove down to Washington State University to sign up for classes the next week. The reality of planning for this next part of my life right then and there with such a short amount of time between that and graduation was very difficult for me. It is not that I do not have a good idea of what I want to do with my life. I am planning on becoming a journalist and took classes aimed toward that goal. It was just weird to think about really starting that journey when I have been thinking about it and planning for it for so long.

How do I know what classes I should take? Who is my room -mate going to be? Will I even be able to find my classes? Where will the Lord lead me in my life? Now don't get me wrong, there were wonderful people there at WSU to help answer at least the technical questions and they did everything they could, but to realize that my future is in the not so distant future was an awakening for my soul; it made this portion of my life suddenly very real.

I am so grateful for everything in my life so far, I have learned so much from so many truly awesome people. I have had teachers at the Moses Lake High School that had so much faith in me that they gave me faith in myself. Mr. Boole and Mr. Melbye, both of you are truly awesome people. I would never have started my photography business if it weren't for the both of you. I took a chance and both of you helped me along the path. Thank you. Mrs. Stall, you are a wonderful person. You have defiantly found your calling. Your enthusiasm and strength always made me want to come to class and your kindness and open-heartedness always made me feel like I could tell you anything. You are one awesome woman. Mrs. Cadby, I don't even know how to start. If it weren't for you I wouldn't be where I am today. You gave me my journalism roots and a little shove to try something knew. You were always there to support me and cared. You deserve a medal. Thank you.

I have also had the pleasure of working with some of the finest journalists here at Columbia Basin Herald, people who have inspired me; given me opportunities to learn, grow and accepted me as one of their own. Matthew Weaver, your lightheartedness and attitude always put me in a good mood. You are the glue that helps hold us all together. Aimee Siem, you're a great reporter and awesome person. Thank you for always answering my many questions and taking time out of your schedule for me. Jonda Pingetzer, you always make me smile. Thank you for taking me on our trips and sitting next to me in the office. Pam Robel, you are a very talented person. Thank you for letting me a part of the sports section of the paper and all of the great advice. I know I can come to you if I am ever in doubt. Brad Gary, whenever I am unsure of something I know I can ask you about it. You are a great reporter and person. David Cole, thanks for always replenishing my stock of food in my drawer whenever you suddenly become hungry and eat my snacks. A last thank you to Erin Stuber, she and the rest of the crew taught me everything I know now about journalism. Erin has moved on down her road of life but not without leaving a lasting impression on me and the many people whose lives she has touched. I miss you Erin.

I want to give a special thank you to my family for putting up with all of my shenanigans and always rooting for me, even when I wasn't winning, and all my friends who are scattering all over the world. I am sorry Brazil lost the world cup, Ana, Cezar, Tiago, Arthur, Thomas and Amanda. I miss all of you it seems so empty when you're not here. Hope your trip home Katcha and Ayumi was safe and Speech and Debate is certainly going to miss you. I would also like to give a special goodbye to those heading off to boot camp and serving our country. James, Ryan, Craig, Santana and anyone else I may have missed. Thank you for serving your country. I will miss all of you dearly. May the Lord be with you as you move on to a new part of your life.

It is hard to turn around and say goodbye to my past and goodbye to those who have had so much faith in me and what I could accomplish. Now its my turn to face new challenges and start my journey.

I am praying that whatever is around the corner that my faith, my family and all the other awesome individuals who have played such a huge part in my life have prepared me for what lies ahead.

I know I cannot do this alone. I would have never made it this far by myself. This is a thank you to every one of you that has helped me on my journey so far. May God bless you. I hold all of you close and dear to my heart and thank the Lord for you. It is my sincere hope that we not lose touch as we go our own ways, and explore our own paths.

Lana Cromer is the newsclerk and an integral part of the CBH newsroom. She will be sorely missed when she departs for WSU in August.