Finding my passion

BY COPELAND WELCH / Managing Editor

Texan News Service, to some it’s just the newspaper at Tarleton State University, to others, it’s a place to work. For me, it’s been a place to learn, laugh, grow and find myself and my passions. 

There are simply no words to describe the experience that I have been privileged enough to have at not only Texan News Service, but Tarleton as a whole. So, I will use a metaphor instead. 

I think of myself and everyone else at Tarleton like a pencil. We are all different shapes, sizes and colors, but at the core, we are all the same. With that said, we all have a different purpose, some pencils are used to take tests, but some are used for more artistic things like sketching portraits. 

My favorite part of working at Texan News Service has been seeing everyone find their unique purpose. 

Thomas, Ashtyn and Michaela found their passion in the control room executing the broadcast. Reese and Jaxon thrived while covering sports events. Kiley was most often found at a rodeo arena producing on-camera interviews. Jolee found her passion while focusing on bettering our team and leading Texan News Service. Haeley found passion in always lending a helping hand and never being afraid to use her voice. Payton was always willing to take an idea and run with it, regardless if she felt qualified to write about a topic. Lastly, our advisor, Austin Lewter was always there to answer our questions and he found his passion in helping us succeed as young journalists.

Although each of us at Texan News Service will likely follow a different path after graduation, I know that at the core we all have a deep passion for journalism, helping others and highlighting the stories of those in our communities. 

As a journalist, you encounter lots of people every single day. Just like pencils, some of these people are wrapped in a hard metal shell, others are wrapped in something lighter like wood or plastic and their shells are easier to break. The most important thing to remember is that if you dig deep enough, I think you’ll find that we are all the same. 

My time at Texan News Service will never be forgotten and can never be erased. As I trade in my pencil for something more permanent, I hope each of my coworkers knows the impact they have had on my life and never forget that it’s okay to go off the beaten path to follow your true passions.

I will close with final words for my coworkers, friends and classmates. Remember that the tough days don’t define you, and we will often feel like you’re at your breaking point. In the words of Tony Robbins, “Your breaking point is your breakthrough point.” And remember, even broken pencils can be sharpened and restored.