As an antisocial extrovert, I found my solace in writing. Since I knew how to pick up a pencil and form some sort of sentences, I’ve known writing was a way for me to express myself without the hassle of actually talking to people.

Hilltop Views solidified my commitment to writing. For many years, I’d fill up journal after journal with stories, poems, and my thoughts. It wasn’t until I wrote an article for Life & Arts freshman year, that I felt okay with sharing my writing. I remember being nervous after submitting my article, a review of the album “Collegrove” by Lil Wayne and T-pain, and receiving an email back that said, “Wow. I can’t believe you’ve never written for us before. You write like a third or fourth year writer.”

I couldn’t believe someone else actually found what I had to say enjoyable, especially with all of the Weezy jokes and Tity Boi references.

I kept writing throughout my freshman year and eventually applied for the position of sports co-editor. Actually, I applied for Life & Arts editor, but, to my surprise, I was chosen for sports.

I am not one to mince words, so I’ll tell it to you straight: I didn’t know very much about sports. I supported every Philadelphia team because it was my hometown. I’d argue with Dallas Cowboys fans, but I couldn’t do much more than use profanities and call them the cowgirls. From what I knew, sports entailed chugging beer and yelling at the TV while feasting on buffalo wings.

My co-editor, Amanda Gonzales, inspired me to learn about sports because I saw how eloquently her knowledge came through her articles. She took the time to interview athletes and attend sporting events on campus. I wanted to be as half as good as Amanda, so I accepted the challenge of sports co-editor.

A semester later, I’ve written multiple articles covering the NFL, NBA All Star Game and St. Edward’s athletics. I’ve interviewed student athletes and created interesting budget ideas for those who aren’t sports fanatics, but want to challenge themselves as a writer, as I did.

Now, it is time to move on. I’ll miss Hilltop Views and all of the wonderful people I’ve encountered. Although I won’t be an editor anymore, you’ll still be seeing my Philadelphia sports stories and angry viewpoint articles. It isn’t that easy to get rid of me.

I encourage anyone who has read Hilltop Views to experiment with journalism. Try writing an opinion piece. Cover a baseball game. Interview a professor and write something. You’ll never know what writing can do for you until you put yourself out there and try it.

I’m forever grateful I did.