By Amanda Maile

Name, hometown, major. This is how most classes start at the beginning of the semester. For most of my time at Fordham I would say, “Amanda, Philadelphia, undecided.” The first two answers I was sure of, but the last perplexed me. As I sat in classes and listened to other students rattle off their majors with ease, I wondered why I didn’t know what I wanted to do when my short time at Fordham ended.

Like many freshmen do, I signed up for too many clubs. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I decided to try it all.

Since the lap around Eddies during the club fair, the only club I’ve remained part of is The Fordham Ram.

I remember seeing a large group of people blasting music and calling over anyone who came by. I decided to walk over and signed up to be a copy editor, not knowing what that meant or entailed. A week later I tried to muster up enough confidence to walk into the first meeting. I would go on to edit articles until my sophomore year when I became a Digital Editor, and after a semester abroad junior year I signed on to be the Assistant Copy Chief under the lead of the incredible Tara Martinelli. And, after this semester ends, I’ll have to say goodbye to B-52.

When I look back at all the other clubs I joined and think about why I didn’t stay involved, I realize just how much of an impact The Fordham Ram has had on my life. Because of The Fordham Ram, I realized my love for journalism. Because of The Fordham Ram, I met so many talented people in the field. Because of The Fordham Ram I know what I want to do.

Knowing what’s going on around the world. Getting to meet people with incredible stories. Analyzing information and publishing it for public consumption.

These are all things I appreciate about journalism. I still have a lot to learn, and that excites me.

Even though it’s only October, I want to say thank you. Thank you Tara Martinelli, our Copy Chief. I wouldn’t want to spend Mondays and (late) Tuesdays with anyone else. I am so fortunate to have you as my friend. Thank you Amanda Giglio, our Editorial Director. Thanks for your infinitely cooler music taste and for being part of my Ram experience since the very beginning — we made it! Thank you Ellie Bruckner, one of our Digital Editors. Thanks for your unwavering support. I’m so happy I got to share my experiences at The Fordham Ram with one of my closest friends.

Thank you to all of our editors — past and present. I feel so fortunate to have worked in the company of so many talented people. Your hard work and dedication to this paper does not go unnoticed. Finally, thanks to all of our incredible copy editors who come down and edit articles week after week.

This paper would not print without you and I am so grateful for each and every one of you.

Thanks for the late Tuesdays. Thanks for the pizza. Thanks for making my time at Fordham something I’ll never forget. Because of these last four years, I can confidently answer those awkward ice-breakers at the beginning of classes.

Amanda, Philadelphia, communications with a concentration in journalism — and it’s the last part that means so much to me.