in THE news.

The day after I graduated from UNC, I had the pleasure of sitting down next to my boss, my friend, and learning the job that I had many times in the prior years called my dream job.  Some how, I had managed to secure what I thought would be the absolute most fun thing to do right out of college.

And it hasn't disappointed me.

Going after the DTH job seemed like a long shot.  I already had a job, a sweet place to lay my head and a boyfriend all set in DC.  Others, professionals my senior by many years, were vying for that seat in the student union.  It was a dream.  And I went after it with one big notebook detailing my qualifications.

I only promised the board I'd stay for two years.  Two quickly turned to four and then to seven.  And now four moves, two babies and one wedding later, I'm saying goodbye to my daily footprint among the Carolina community.

It was hard to move out of Chapel Hill.  And now in some moments it seems harder to leave the students whom I adore.

Frankly, I'm usually the one being left - not the one leaving.  First it was the mass exit of my college friends and then those who stuck around for grad school trickled away.  Not to mention each year, the DTH seniors checked off their bucket lists before May's graduation. 

Over the past week I've touched every piece of paper in the file cabinets.  And I've laughed at the little memories I tucked away.  Name tags made with love for my whole family, editorial cartoons drawn by ad staffers, fake applications for a good laugh, ridiculous emails, bobble head doll ideas, national championship posters, fashion show seating charts, housing fair antics, final four editions...

But really, I've been astonished by the growth that I've dug-up in those file cabinets.  As for my part, growth is plentiful.  But looking back at those first interviews from students who are now scattered across the country in a variety of industries is inspiring.  Whether it be professional or personal triumph, I feel so lucky to have walked among such an outstanding group of individuals.

Thank you.  I am honored to call you friend.

And so today it became real - my last day is August 30th.  It was printed in black and white.

And for me, for my family, the timing is right to move on to new opportunities.

And I'm thrilled to be sitting down next to that same boss, and dear friend, on September 4th.  I'm thrilled to continue my work with college media - beside talented professionals and inspiring students - and I'm over the moon that this opportunity will allow me to spend more time at home with Lillie and Mary Hardin.

It seems that it is just time - and I couldn't be more excited about what is yet to come.