The time has come for me to close this important chapter of my life and start a new adventure. I am very excited for my future, but it also tugs on my heartstrings to leave the Navigator News and Lake Land College (LLC) behind. It has been a pleasure to serve the Navigator and Lake Land as both a reporter and copy editor during my time here.  

I’ve always loved writing since I was young, which is why I decided to enroll at LLC as an English major. The Navigator has provided me with an excellent, unique opportunity to expand and improve my writing skills, get me outside my comfort zone and grow my confidence, as well as give my resume a boost (which is another bonus!) I have been able to meet so many amazing people through the Navigator and LLC. I would highly encourage any student who is considering joining the Navigator to just do it! I am so glad I took the leap of courage to apply, as this experience has really changed my college career for the better.  

To be honest, Lake Land was not my first pick for college, as I originally only wanted to go to Eastern Illinois University (EIU). However, personal circumstances led me to apply here and I am glad that everything worked out the way it did. My time at LLC has both challenged and grown me in many ways, allowing me the chance to partake in various opportunities, including working for the Navigator News, serving as a TRIO ambassador, and even earn credit as a teaching assistant for a Composition II class.  

I wanted to give a special thanks to two individuals who have made an impact on my life during my time at Lake Land and the Navigator. First, I want to thank Anyssa Margaret, the Navigator’s editor-in-chief, and my first friend I made at Lake Land. Thank you Anyssa for all your unnoticed and underappreciated hard work you have put into this team. Secondly, I want to thank my advisor and professor, Matt Landrus. He has always been so encouraging when it comes to my writing passion, so I have always been very appreciative of that. I will definitely miss our talks in his office. Thank you, Matt, for all your help and inspiration during my time at LLC!  

My next endeavor is transferring to EIU to complete my bachelor’s degree in English. I plan on doing a mixed emphasis on both creative and professional writing. I am hoping that I can eventually become either a copywriter, editor, publisher or something along those lines. My life-long dream is to become a published author as well! I am also thrilled to be getting married to my high school sweetheart, Sam, next May, after four and a half years together. Afterward, we will be moving to Nashville, TN, so I am excited to see what opportunities arise from this.  

Thank you, Navigator News and LLC for everything. 

Reporter and copy editor, Emma Skowronski, signing off.