Do you remember at the end of the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off when Matthew Broderick comes into the hallway in a maroon robe and says, “You’re still here? It’s over. Go home.”?

Well, after four years, it is time to hang up the metaphorical cleats and leave with my diploma and reporter’s notebook in hand.

I still remember the day I joined The Winonan. Imagine a skinny, baby-faced first-year trying to get an interview with an athlete or frantically writing down every statistic on my reporter’s notebook.

I have come a long way since then. I wrote every sport as a reporter and ended as the sports editor.

I have seen not only my relationship with journalism blossom but also my relationship with my fellow teachers, students, athletes and coaches grow. Without you all, I would not be the man I am today.

I learned so much while working for The Winonan. Four years ago, I had no reporting experience whatsoever but have learned how to use quotes, write ledes and design pages. I cannot wait to implement the skills over the years.

Personally, I want to thank my journalism professors. Without your guidance and wisdom, I would not know anything about journalism and would have had to find a different career.

I also want to thank the student-athletes and coaches at Winona State. Without you, I would not have been able to put a face behind your voice. I got to know many of you personally over the years and I wish you luck.

Finally, I want to thank my editing team at The Winonan. Ana, girl Sam, Allison and Elizabeth, I will never forget our late nights of putting the paper together, throwing our two cents into passing conversations or expressing our emotions toward life. I would not want to cover any story without you all by my side.

I am sad, nervous, and bittersweet to leave but overall excited to take the next step in my journey as a sports journalist. I know I will be going on to hopefully a bigger and better job and call that place home, but deep down, I will always call Winona my second home.