As I’m writing this, although I’m supposed to be recollecting and reflecting on my favorite memories and lessons from my past four years in the Daily Bruin, I can only think of the preceding page of my notebook.

In a letter addressed to myself written just two months ago, I detailed all of my biggest worries and fears about my post-graduation life. I stressed about whether I’d be able to handle the monotony of my daily nine-to-five job, whether I’d be able to make new friends and whether I’d be able to join communities after nearly all of my friends pack up and leave Los Angeles. I wanted to know I would become a productive and constructive member of “adult society,” whatever that specifically means to me.

But most of all, I wrote about how I wanted a “thing” – something that defines me. Whether that be a hobby, a career or another thing entirely, I yearned for something to feel truly passionate about – to feel proud of.

“I want that feeling others feel of knowing exactly what they wish to do. I yearn to feel the fire that fuels them, the trickling flames that tingle their soul,” I wrote to myself.

I apologize in advance for the performative tone I used in this letter, as I had been in a strange bout of dread and existentialism, and I had not initially expected this letter to be seen by others.

But when I got back to my apartment that day, after writing about a particularly moody short story by Edgar Allan Poe for a final exam, I shared some of my anxieties expressed in my letter with my roommate.

When I had finished, however, he disagreed with me – an option I didn’t know existed for this type of ranting monologue.

He dismissed me for being silly, saying that of course I had my passions: specifically, journalism.

To this, I instantly objected, arguing that although I’ve been doing journalism for the past seven years, I was only still doing it because it’s what I was used to – an argument that sounds more ridiculous when said aloud. Still, I was unconvinced by his suggestion: “To think that I actually enjoy doing this, now, how delusional must one be?” I thought to myself.

But when I went to my next Daily Bruin article meeting, something felt… different.

I realized then – reluctantly – how right my roommate was. Being a student journalist has its ups and downs, of course. But at that moment, I didn’t want to be anywhere else.

Since then, I’ve come to relearn how much I’ve taken journalism – and this Daily Bruin community – for granted. And as a result, I’ve come to relearn how much it truly means to me.

Now, when I try to recollect and reflect on my memories at this paper, I am reminded of how truly thankful I am to have shared this space with some of my closest friends.

To those who have helped me grow – Lindsey, Priya, Junwon and Mia – I’m especially grateful for your patience and willingness to deal with my frequent nonsense and for always making me feel welcome to ask for help.

To my friends from the Stack, Ayushi, Noah and everyone else, thank you for working so hard and believing in me, especially during my periods of absences. You have all been so inspiring, and I loved working with you.

To my Enterprise folks, thank you for adopting me into your wonderful group and helping me rediscover the reasons why I love journalism.

To my D.O.E.S. troop – you know who you are – thank you so much for having been such great friends to me and for making last year so much fun – and for sharing your senioritis with me a year early.

To everyone who made this place feel special: Thank you.

McGlynn was an Enterprise team lead, a Data senior staffer, and a Design, Photo and Social contributor. He was previously the 2024-25 Data editor and the 2023-24 assistant Data editor.