In my three years working for The Spectrum, I have seen it all.
I've seen crowds of people fight for a cause, spectacular feats of athleticism, beautiful performances and people drenched in mud. I have seen everyone from authors to first ladies and everything from scandals to celebrations.
I am the person around campus behind the camera at every event, seen but not often heard, capturing every moment, action and reaction.
You don't have to be at The Spectrum or have a press pass to experience these moments. I've been lucky enough to fall into some wonderful opportunities, but there are so many ways on campus to explore UB.
There are many organizations that allow you to do incredible things and meet incredible people, just as this paper has done for me.
Take advantage. These opportunities can lead you down paths and help you discover things about yourself you never knew were there.
I am not the most outgoing person in the world. In fact, I'm pretty quiet and like to keep to myself most of the time. My introversion used to hold me back and it kept me from going out and experiencing life. By joining The Spectrum, I gained a confidence I never knew was there. I discovered myself.
If I have anything to say, it is this: Time goes by fast, and it can pass you by if you let it. That's the biggest shame, so don't let life happen without you when there is so much to see and do.
How many times in your life do you have the opportunity to roll around in the mud playing volleyball all day and then go to see Steve Martin speak at night? You do not want to look back and regret your time at UB.
In the end, life is not like a video you can go back and rewind; it's like a photo album. It is a series of moments - snapshots we treasure and reflect on but cannot relieve - so it's best to take care that you are in the pictures.
I am lucky to have one more year left at UB and you can be sure you will still see me around campus clicking away.
As for my time at The Spectrum, I want to thank all of my friends and colleagues for a wonderful three years and for putting up with my ranting and raving during that time. I wish the best of luck to those graduating, and to those remaining, I expect nothing but the best. This paper has improved vastly in three years because of you, and I cannot wait to see what else you will do with it.
Email: alexa.strudler@ubspectrum.com
