I started working for The Brand in October of 2020. I remember walking into my first meeting in Abilene Hall and sitting around the table with the staff, completely unaware of the fact that I would get the opportunity to serve as editor of The Brand for my senior year at Hardin-Simmons University.
When I was in high school, I had the honor of serving as co-editor for my school’s yearbook publication. I thought that my journalism days were over once I walked the stage at the Amarillo Civic Center and prepared to start my college education in Abilene. When I first began college searching, I planned on being a journalism major. However, even though the Lord had other academic plans for me, the door to journalism was not completely closed.
My time as a member of The Brand staff has allowed me to learn more about the history of Hardin-Simmons and to network with a great number of faculty, staff, students and alumni. The Brand gave me Monday night meetings filled with brainstorming sessions, creative development and lots of inside jokes. Working for The Brand was technically my job, but it never felt like work. As a staff member I found joy in asking questions, hearing others’ stories and not taking myself too seriously at the same time.
The Lord’s provision allowed for a continuation of a season that meant so much to me during high school. While I am preparing to walk the stage and finish my undergraduate studies at HSU next week, I know that the seasons of blessing and difficulty develop perseverance and faith. I do not know which doors the Lord will close or leave open at the end of this season, but I know that he is faithful and good in all things.
With all that I have learned over the past four years at HSU and the past three working for TheBrand, I hope that I have been able to share wisdom and encouragement with my fellow staff members and classmates. Today I am saying, “See you later,” to The Brand, but not to the memories and lessons I gained from it.
