It feels surreal to be writing this — mostly because, fun fact, I have never actually written for the newspaper before. But hey, senior send-offs count, so get ready.
When I think about my time at Villanova specifically with this newspaper, I think about people. People who were and are so unapologetically themselves that they made it impossible not to be myself, too. In a new environment, surrounded by the chaos of a new school, new place and new people, being a part of this paper has taught me to listen, to learn, and most importantly, to lean into the opportunities, experiences, and every last moment.
Within the past four years, I don’t think I have slowed down. I’ve been sprinting from event to event trying to capture a glimpse of what Villanova has to offer. But as I sit here writing this (debating to ask where the paper’s points card is), I realized that while I was trying to capture moments, somehow along the way, I lived them.
From my very first awkward pizza party as a terrified freshman trying to branch out, to being an editor with a five-hour time difference, to flying in during the summer just to squeeze in a few more hours with the people I now call family, this newspaper has been my whole world. It has been late-night laughs, SUPER “quick” naps on the couch, last-minute trips across the country to catch basketball games, bad ideas somehow turning into great ones (the roller blades were always a great idea, though) and memories I wouldn’t trade for anything.
I’ll miss it more than I can say — but for now, I’m just thrilled I finally got a byline.
With love and a slightly overdue article,
Graydon Paul
