It was under the glow of the golden dome at Notre Dame when I think I first realized just how amazing sports journalism could be.

I was a freshman, and I was working my first beat, women’s soccer, for the Herald. For some reason, the paper trusted a freshman with just more than a month of college experience to travel with the Lady Toppers.

It was a first for both the team and me -the Lady Toppers’ first time facing a top-5 opponent, and my first road trip as a journalist.

Now, the Herald is about to thrust me into another first.

The “real” world.

I am one of those fortunate souls graduating on Dec. 16. Seven semesters on the Herald prepared me for a future in journalism. Now I just need to find a job.

And then a place to live.

And then start paying all my own bills.

And be a “grown-up.”

Is 22 years old really all that grown up?

I’m not scared of what’s going to happen post-graduation. Even if it takes a few weeks, or maybe a month (no more than that, I hope), I know I’ll get out of no school-no job limbo.

I’m just going to miss it here. When I first started at the Herald, the office was a second home to me. Since becoming sports editor in January, the newsroom has been home.

Seriously.

My roommates joke that the only time I’m in my apartment now is to sleep.

I think they’re joking.

Though I do look forward to not working 12 or more hours on production days, I’m going to miss the Herald. There have been a lot of laughs and a lot of late night trips to Steak n Shake.

Like any good Heralder, I have to thank adviser Bob Adams for his guidance during the past three-and-a-half semesters. Mr. A sticks with us through late production nights, and I’m going to miss the late-night popcorn breaks.

And from the non-Herald aspect of my life, I need to thank my parents, Jim and Sharon Wilberding, for all of their encouragement and support since, oh, birth. I appreciate everything you have done for me.

After being away for three summers on internships and only being home for extended periods during winter breaks, please pray for my parents – my clothes and I will be moving back home for the time being.

It’s weird how different graduating from college feels compared to high school. I felt so grown up when I moved down to Western in August 2003. With the exception of one homesickness breakdown during MASTER Plan, I have loved being on the Hill.

I’m going to miss my daily workout of walking from the Center Street parking lot to the Garrett Center.

I already miss the TV-viewing and talks with my current roommates, and I miss the bonding time with my roommates from last school year.

I think I’ll even miss the daily fight of trying to find a place to park.

Or maybe not.

My time at Western has been one amazing experience after another. I’ve met great people – some who don’t even work for the Herald – who have had a major impact on my life. The journalism faculty at Western have also helped shape my future in this business.

I also met one person while at Western who has become a great addition to my life. I want to thank him for all the support and the laughs, and I look forward to whatever the future brings for us.

Neither Western nor the Herald will stop when I’ve graduated. To the people of Western, keep living “the spirit makes the master” mentality.

And to my Herald friends and coworkers, continue to tell the stories of those who need to be heard and fight for the First Amendment. Those two reasons are why we became journalists.

Beth Wilberding is sports editor and
columnist for the Herald. Reach her at sports@wkuherald.com.