I was told college was the time students should take to find themselves.

Although I already came into college knowing what I wanted to do and where I wanted to focus my academic and occupational career, I did not know who I wanted to be as a person.

I knew the ropes of journalism and I knew what I needed to do to succeed in school, but I was at a loss for who I needed to be. I wanted to be the best, and I wanted to do my best.

The idea of a university was intimidating and so was the potential competition I would face.

But when I got to Eastern, that fear quickly faded when I met the journalism department’s faculty. Department chair Sally Renaud was the first face I got to know at Eastern, and I could not have asked for a better person to show me my true potential as a writer and as a person.

Journalism professor Lola Burnham was my first adviser and made choosing from the plethora of classes look easy.

Office manager Wanda Kay Robinson helped me through all my paperwork, God bless her compassionate heart.

Then I got to my first class, and journalism professor Amanda Bright reminded me why I fell in love with journalism.

I met journalism professor Ensung Kim, and she pushed me to always remember my research and academics.

Beth Heldebrandt further pushed my grammar-nazi agenda and Kelly Goodwin pushed me to challenge myself.

Betsy Jewell made me see the different aspects that go into journalism that help make a successful publication.

I found myself surrounded by not only great faculty, but also amazing female role models. These capeless superheroes pushed me to do my best and showed me what the real world of journalism looks like. Instead of scaring me into reality, they made me excited for it.

These women have taught me about history and the women that have made an impact in the world of journalistic writing, but I seldom get the chance to let these same women know the impact they make, as well.

Without these strong and inspirational figures, I do not think I could have gotten through my sleepless weeks and busy nights without their encouragement, their understanding nature and their passion for the field.

I will walk away from Eastern, not only a better and more prepared writer but a young woman ready to face the working world with perseverance and strength.

Angelica Cataldo is a senior journalism major. She can be reached at 581-2812 or amcataldo@eiu.edu.