Sitting down to write a farewell column might be the most difficult experience I’ve had during my time at The Daily Beacon.

Thousands on thousands of memories — some more pleasant than others — whip through my head and I have to shake them before I become most ashamedly teary-eyed.

Four years ago, I never would have dreamed my experience at the University of Tennessee could hold so much.

I remember my first day of class. It rained and I was naive enough to hop under an umbrella with a strange man who proceeded to walk me to class. He was so kind.

I remember getting a “C” in a class and crying for hours on the phone with my other brother Will.

I remember interviewing former UT football head coach Derek Dooley for the first time. When I told him I was with The Daily Beacon his response was, “What’s that?”

I remember writing a column during his final season with the Vols and I remember the surprise and honor I felt to see it have over 6,000 shares.

But while these are memories that I will always cherish, I am even more grateful for the opportunities I have had to work with people I respect and love during those four years.

From professors like Amber Roessner, Erin Whiteside, Sam Swan and Elizabeth Hendrickson to Beacon editors Zac Ellis (could not respect this guy more), Kyle Turner and Matt Dixon, I have had an opportunity work under some amazing friends and teachers. I wouldn’t be graduating with a journalism degree without these people in my life.

I’ve also loved having the opportunity to work with Jane Pope, Karen, Patrick Lamb and Lynne. Where would I be without you guys?

Jimmy Stanton, Jason Yellin and Eric Trainer have been so patient with me and my writers year after year and I could not be more grateful. I respect you all and am so thankful for your help.

As for our current staff — most of whom are graduating — you know I love you dearly. Tears are gushing, so I’m going to have to stop with that simple statement.

To my amazing writers (you know who you are) and to my faithful readers (Karen Marten and Rachel Melton), you hold a special place in my heart.

All that said, my transition from sports editor and student into the real world is painless. While I have so enjoyed my time at UT from classes to studies to the Beacon, I can’t wait to start working full time with Volunteers for Christ. I’ve never regretted a moment of time invested in VFC, and I don’t regret my decision to join their mission.

For those of you who are staying, have no fear.

I have complete faith in future sports editors David Cobb and Troy Provost-Heron and in future editor-in-chief and managing editor R.J. Vogt and Melodi Erdogan. In fact, I’m quite sure they will eventually outshine me, if they haven’t already done so.

I’ll leave you with this quote from John Newton:

“I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be and by the grace of God, I am what I am.”

— Lauren Kittrell is a senior in journalism and electronic media. After graduation, she’ll be staying in Knoxville and working for Vols for Christ. She can be reached at [email protected] or followed on Twitter @LKittre1.