Tori Bedsole
News Editor 2018
It feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago when I began my journey in Troy and with the Tropolitan. I remember watching the world open up to me through journalism and realizing my true purpose in life was to serve others through telling their stories.
For some, this newspaper is a fleeting piece of an otherwise busy college life; for me, it became one of the most important aspects of my life. When I first started college, I was sure I would attend law school following graduation, but my time here changed my path in life.
The Trop and its readers pushed me to become a better reporter. From staff writer to section editor and editor-in-chief, there was always something new to learn.
My time here opened my eyes to who I was as a writer and who I wanted to become as a leader (thanks for the help Dr. John Kline, a distinguished professor and the director of the leadership department). The more I learned about myself, the more I was able to give to my work.
The Trop opened doors to internships, jobs and volunteer opportunities I never would have experienced otherwise. A big thank-you goes out to Assistant Professor Steve Stewart, adviser for the Trop, for all of the knowledge and encouragement he sent my way. I hope I continue to make you proud in graduate school.
Lilly Casolaro and Michael Shipma, my fellow Baby Troppers, I cannot say how thankful I am to have met the two of you during Camp Trop our freshman year. The Trop truly became a family for us, and I wouldn’t have wanted to experience these four years with anyone else. Thank you for all of the crazy memories we have made, inside and outside of the office.
Zach Henson, I am so proud of everything you have accomplished so far, and I can’t wait to watch what you do as editor-in-chief next year. You will do great, and I look forward to seeing the Trop succeed under your leadership.
Emma Daniel, I am so excited to see someone with such a passion for journalism taking over as news editor next year. I cannot wait to see you soar in the coming years.
This university has given me so much, and I am proud to have been able to give a little back through my time with the Trop. I never thought this goodbye would be so hard, but I look forward to passing the torch to the next group.
To all those who will come after us, your work may not always be appreciated, but it is important. Good luck, and go Trojans.
