To be honest, I have no idea how I got here. Today, I sat under a giant tent in the library parking lot and walked across a stage to receive my degree. As I sit on my bed at home now writing this letter, memories from the past four years flit through my mind like an old Hollywood movie reel. It’s so surreal to think that, just like that, my college experience is over. Yet, when I look back on everything I’ve done, I can say with confidence that I wouldn’t do a single thing differently. Her Campus at Emmanuel is definitely one of those things.
HCE celebrated our second birthday in April of this year and it never ceases to amaze me how far we’ve come. From our very first tabling session in the JYC with the Education Club to support #LetGirlsLearn to being recognized by the SGA, from our “Kiss the Canvas” Breast Cancer Awareness event to donating toys to Boston Children’s for the holidays, this organization has done so many wonderful things to benefit the EC Community and beyond. I also could not be prouder of the team for their hard work on our annual fashion show, as well as the first-ever Her Campus Boston Formal which took place this year. We have crafted fun events that provide a space for students to engage and interact with one another while also giving back to the community. Each of them have influenced my college experience for the better, and I truly hope that others can say the same.
I am also thrilled at the success of the content we have produced over the past two years. The team is lucky to have some pretty incredible writers who have penned pieces that serve as both a resource and a source of entertainment for Emmanuel’s student body. We have dedicated our site to highlighting campus news and events, providing personal opinion on current issues and interests, commenting on fashion and lifestyle trends, and featuring interesting or outstanding members of the Emmanuel Community. I hope hercampus.com/emmanuel continues to thrive as a hub for Emmanuel students for years to come!
Of course, I could not step down from my position as President and Editor-in-Chief without giving many thanks to the people who have made HCE what it is today. To the 2016-2017 Executive Board, I want to thank you for your complete and total dedication to this organization. Your creativity and passion endlessly shone through and allowed our chapter to grow exponentially. To the new Exec Board who will be taking over in the fall, I am 110% confident in your ability to carry on our success. Throughout the training process this past month, your ideas and vision for the future of our chapter has exceeded my expectations, and I leave knowing you will bring the organization to new heights. To all of the general members, you are not forgotten or unseen. Each and every one of you are an integral part of the team, and your contributions have made a huge impact on everything we have done. To our advisor, Mark Flynn, while you only just joined us this semester, I have already grown to cherish your involvement and want to thank you for being a new guiding light for this organization. And to our readers/followers/fans/friends, thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in HCE and all we do. May you continue to look to us for a good read and a good time.
Finally, I would like to metaphorically pass the torch to President-elect Eimile Bowden and E.I.C.-elect Gianna Mangiarelli. You both are such worthy candidates and I could not be more grateful for your eagerness to lead HCE into a new year. This chapter was my baby and I am fully trusting it in your hands. May you lead fearlessly and passionately, but never be afraid to ask questions. Know that I will always be around in times of need.
As the title of this letter indicates, I only have two things left to say: thank you (for everything) and goodbye.
HCXO forever,
Sammy