I’ve been writing stories for as long as I can remember.

I was the shy kid in class who spent time writing fictional characters and mystical-like plotlines in my notebooks. Lore drop – I also had a decorated Wattpad career, writing a Louis Tomlinson fanfiction that amassed nearly 10,000 reads (which is now unpublished for my sanity).

Writing is an outlet for me.

An escape from reality.

I love to write, but I also love to spend hours chronically watching sports. When the opportunity arose to apply to become an intern for the Sports section of the Daily Bruin in fall quarter of my second year, I thought, ‘Why not both?’

To say I was nervous for my interview is an understatement. All I could remember was revealing how much I love Lionel Messi. When I received my acceptance, it felt like I could finally believe in miracles.

I remember when I stepped into the Los Angeles Tennis Center for my first assignment.

I love tennis – my dad raised me on watching every Grand Slam tournament – but none of that prepared me for writing my first wrap. Here’s how my thoughts looked like during the match as someone with severe anxiety and ADHD:

“I still don’t know what a wrap is. These seats are uncomfortable. I can barely see the players. What is an SID? Why are there six courts? Why are there only three on one side? How the heck am I supposed to keep up with six singles matches at the same time? Interviews? What kind of questions do I ask? Who do I interview? Who’s on the roster – AHHHH.”

In the end – miraculously – I survived.

I decided to get dinner afterward to celebrate since the article was not due until the next day. It was the perfect way to end my first day on the job – or so I thought.

I was in line for food when the then-women’s tennis assistant editor Slacked me, “hey chloe! since it was a bigger match today, do you think you could give me a draft by tonight?”

CHAOS ENSUED.

But when my first byline graced the print copy of The Bruin, the feeling of satisfaction and adrenaline was something I kept chasing for the rest of my time at the paper.

I’ve been able to travel and cover various tournaments and matches, immerse myself in different sports and challenge myself to grow in the unknown. I have exceeded what I thought I was capable of – not only as a writer, but as a person.

In the chaos that occurred within the walls of Kerckhoff 118, I found a place where I belonged. A solace, a realm of peace and a home away from home.

To Wendy, thank you for being by my side since our first year. To Jeannie, thank you for always welcoming me with open arms and listening to my baseball rants. To the people I covered the Ojai and Berkeley tennis tournaments with – Brianna, Andrew, Edward, Nicholas, Lamar, Olivia and Jack – you all have been such a pleasure to work alongside. Your passion and love for the work inspire me. Thank you for all you do. To Kai, you often express a drive to ensure everyone feels like they belong at The Bruin. I hope you realize you helped me feel like I belonged here, too.

To the editors that I have had the privilege to work with, thank you. I wouldn’t be even half the writer I am today without your grace and willingness to push me into creating my best work.

To the underclassmen, you all inspire me. Your creativity, hard work and exceptional writing have motivated me to go beyond the limits of what we can be capable of as student journalists. Cherish and live out every moment you have at The Bruin – it’ll be over before you know it.

Lastly, to the more than 100 bylines, plethora of sports, many sleepless nights and long hours staring at my computer screen – I wouldn’t trade it for anything. My college experience would not have been complete without the opportunity to be able to live out my dreams of being able to do what I love the most.

The chapter may end here, but the Daily Bruin will stay with me forever.

Agas was a Sports staff writer and a Copy, Photo and Social Media contributor.