Athens has always been a place I hoped to call home. Over the past year and a half, it has become so much more than that. My time here has pushed me academically, challenged me creatively and opened doors I never imagined possible.
As a graduate student in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism’s Master of Science in Journalism program at Ohio University, I have found an experience that will stay with me long after I leave.
Before coming to OU, I didn’t have a formal background in journalism. My undergraduate studies focused on fashion merchandising and marketing, and for a long time, I wasn’t sure how those interests would come together. My uncertainty changed once I arrived in Athens. I quickly found organizations and opportunities that welcomed me and allowed me to blend my passions in ways that felt both natural and exciting.
From the moment I entered the program, I knew I needed to gain as much experience as fast as possible. With an accelerated timeline, I worked to make the most of each semester, ultimately finishing one semester early.
The program’s structure challenged me in ways I didn’t expect. Core courses, often shared with doctoral students, emphasized research, analytics and ethics, pushing me to think critically and work at a higher level. At the same time, electives allowed me to explore my interests and gain hands-on experiences that prepared me for the real world.
One of the most defining decisions I made was choosing the professional project track over a thesis. While both paths offer meaningful opportunities, I knew I wanted something hands-on. This is a way for me to showcase not only what I have learned in the classroom, but also what I have created outside of it.
Through my work with The Post, Southeast Ohio Magazine and Thread Magazine, I created editorials and articles that reflect my knowledge, growth and voice. I have also been able to continue my skills in digital media through NEXT Advertising Agency and my Graduate Assistantship at The Patton College of Education.
Beyond academics, the program expanded my perspectives in ways I could have never imagined. Last summer, I studied abroad in Germany, an experience that pushed me outside my comfort zone and gave me a global understanding of journalism.
Inspired by that trip, I continued to travel on my own, visiting two additional countries, Czechia and the Netherlands, for the first time. Each experience taught me to adapt, observe and tell stories in new ways.
Back in Athens, I found ways to grow and connect. I had the opportunity to speak at Federal Hocking High School with the Ohio Valley International Council about the importance of journalism and shared knowledge with aspiring student journalists.
I was also able to continue my passion for rowing by joining Ohio’s Club Crew Team, which gave me both a sense of balance and community outside of the classroom.
The sense of community is what I will miss the most.
The people I have met here, classmates, professors, roommates and friends, have shaped my experience in ways I can’t fully put into words. They challenged me, supported me and ultimately helped me become a better version of myself. Choosing to come to Athens wasn’t just an academic decision; it was a personal one, and it’s one I will always be grateful for.
Over the past year and a half, I have grown in ways I never thought possible. I have achieved goals I once only partially imagined and discovered new ambitions along the way. More importantly, I have found a clearer sense of who I am and what I want to pursue.
Leaving Athens will never be easy. In many ways, it will be one of the hardest goodbyes I will have to say. However, it’s also the one I am the proudest of. This chapter has given me more than I ever expected. As I move forward, I will carry these experiences and this place with me wherever I go.
Anna Hanes is a second-year graduate student studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Anna Hanes about their column? Email them at annahanes13@gmail.com.
