My first year at CSUSM, I didn’t participate in anything. I commuted to campus and went home after class ended. I felt that I didn’t get the ‘college experience.’ My second year, I changed that. I went looking for the college paper. I felt that writing for our paper would be a great way to get involved. As it turns out, it was.

Writing for “The Pride” and seeing it turn into “The Cougar Chronicle” has been a rewarding experience. It hasn’t been the easiest job. Journalism takes a lot of guts and motivation, but being in a leadership position as the Editor – in – Chief this past two semesters taught me a lot about myself.

I would like to thank my staff for all the hard work and dedication they showed this past year. Without them, this paper would have ceased to exist. The 2011 – 2012 academic year has been a restart up period for our paper. I hope that it will grow to be a staple of campus life as CSUSM progresses. I would also like thank all the students and professors who have read “The Cougar Chronicle” and given us feedback on it. We appreciate your readership.

This was my third and last year at CSUSM. I’m not graduating but moving on to new and exciting things. I am moving onto Ohio with my boyfriend and transferring to another university. Thank you Joshua for motivating me each editing weekend and for reading the issues I brought home.

I wish everyone a great summer—be safe out there. I also hope everyone at CSUSM reads “The Cougar Chronicle,” because we write these articles for you. Good luck to the new Editors – in – Chief, Kristin Melody and Morgan Hall. You ladies will do awesome.

Farewell CSUSM. Remember to work hard, play hard.

-Ashley Day