Krystal Geeson
Staff Writer
With the beginning of May comes the end of a chapter.
Nearly four years ago, I travelled over 800 miles to ISU’s campus, unsure of what I would want to do, never imagining I would switch my major three times and end up in Mass Communication or writing for “The Bengal”. I had the chance to meet lifelong friends in Alpha Xi Delta and my fiancé, and to form relationships with coworkers and teachers. I’ve experienced four different rooms, ten roommates, five jobs and countless meltdowns here.
Nearly four months ago, I ventured into “The Bengal.” office unsure of what impact I could make as a journalist. I was taken out of my comfort zone and was able to explore different topics I never would have come across before.
Now, in nearly four days, I will be walking through Holt Arena, ready to move on to the next chapter of my life. ISU took that quiet freshman walking through the arch and molded me into a confident, young adult ready to conquer the next step of my life. Who knows where that might be, but I know going forward I’m thankful to be a Bengal!
Michelle Schraudner
Copy Editor
My path to graduating with a B.A. in Mass Communication with a minor in Linguistics has been long, winding and unconventional. From a freshman year in the dorms of the University of Oregon to years of assorted part-time jobs in my hometown of Bozeman, Montana, I spent my early 20s searching for purpose in my life.
That all changed when I moved with my then-boyfriend (now wonderful husband) to Gillette, Wyoming, where I enrolled at Gillette College. There I met Karen Desch, the first of two teachers who would change my life. In addition to the invaluable education lessons she taught, Karen instilled in me one life lesson I had been sorely needing: the value of a strong work ethic.
That work ethic (along with the unfailing appreciation for proper comma use Karen also gave me) caught the eye of my journalism professor when I arrived at ISU. Tom Terry quickly became my biggest cheerleader at ISU and immediately embarked on his mission to convert me to a journalism emphasis in the Mass Comm department. After a small about of arm-twisting, I agreed, and even applied for a job here at “The Bengal.” Tom’s support has given me access to writing, editing and social media opportunities across the university. Most importantly, Tom’s influence gave me the confidence I’ll need to succeed when I walk out of Holt Arena as a college graduate this weekend.
Thank you, Karen and Tom. You’ve impacted my life, education and moral compass immeasurably. I’ll take every opportunity to pay forward the guidance you have given me.
To my parents and brother, I love you. Thank you for spending countless hours on the phone with me.
Jordan, you’re the best husband in the world. Now we’ll finally get to see each other during the week! I love you!
Lenka Skalska
Photo Editor
When I moved to Pocatello, I could barely speak English. I had to leave my home, my job, my family and my friends. Hidden in our rented house, I tried to figure out what to do at a place a thousand of miles away from home.
I already had a master’s degree from Czech Republic and used to work as a project manager for European Union funds. However, without a language and knowledge of the current environment, I felt useless. With the help of my English teachers, Heather and Jenna, and students in our ESL classes, I started to feel much more comfortable! I improved my English and found many friends!
After one year, I decided to develop my passion for marketing. Even though I don’t like finance at all, I decided to apply for the MBA program. I remember how the previous director was smiling, telling me that there is no way to skip all the finance classes. Now, it is just the finance class that I wish to pass and reach my MBA degree in May 2014.
I also remember the words of the graduate dean, asking me why I wanted to study MBA. I have to tell you, you were right! I am thinking more about my own business than to work for somebody else.
ISU helped me a lot! I met many amazing and friendly people, found my best friends from volleyball, got my first job in the U.S., had an opportunity to work for the best newspaper in Pocatello, gained many experiences, knowledge and much more.
At the beginning, it was hard to stay. Now, it would be much harder to leave. I’ve never met so many nice and friendly people in my life as here in Pocatello. Thank you so much all for your support and being here for me.
Travis Smith
Online Editor
It only took me eight years to earn a bachelor’s degree and, despite the longevity and a mediocre GPA, I still feel compelled to dole out some free advice:
1. The classic phrase “when you fall off a horse, get right back on,” has a nice ring to it but sometimes the best thing to do is to just quit horseback riding. Don’t spend your entire college career falling off the proverbial horse.
2. Visit your teacher during their office hours. It boosts their self-worth and your grade.
3. The best place to go to the bathroom is on the second floor of the Student Union Building behind Jamba Juice and the best place to take a nap is the reading room in the Liberal Arts Building. There isn’t a good place to park.
4. Do as many internships as possible. It’s an easy A and a better learning experience than the classroom.
5. The best blow-off class you can sign up for is an afternoon nap; it’s free and everybody can enroll.
I’d like to thank all those at ISU, most notably Jerry Miller and Steve Schaack and all the people I’ve worked with at “The Bengal” over the years who have helped me achieve my dreams, and I wish the best of luck to all those who are still pursuing theirs.
