When I was in high school, I told my mom I would never attend Ohio University. But as we sat together in my childhood home’s backyard Sunday, she told me, “I could never have imagined you going anywhere else besides OU.”
I had the privilege of going to a school for four years that I originally insisted was not for me. If I had chosen any other university, I would have missed countless memories, forever friendships and opportunities to grow into a proud Bobcat.
My passion for journalism started as a freshman in high school. I am a firm believer in storytelling’s ability to foster change and compassion in an uncertain and often harsh world. At my high school graduation party, a family member asked if it would be difficult to write and find stories in “such a small college town.” Dumb question, respectfully.
There are always stories to be told about Athens and OU. The people, places and bricks make every day interesting and fulfilling. People, whether Athenians, Bobcats or both, take pride in the community’s past, present and future, meaning there is always a story to be shared.
As the former human interest staff writer at The Post, I became very familiar with the university’s archives thanks to University Archivist Bill Kimok. His wealth of information about the university’s history inspired me to dig for untold stories. In an article I wrote featuring the work done by the University Archives, Kimok told me “that without the students, you don’t have a history.”
At OU, it is easy to feel part of the larger Athens culture and county. Although it is exciting and fun to join the Athens community, even if only for four years, it is important to give back. Students may be part of Athens’ history, but they would not be successful without the support of people and organizations beyond the university. My OU journey would not be fulfilling without the community members I built relationships with or the trips to places outside of campus.
I encourage current students to learn as many people’s stories as possible and tell the ones that others should know. I am honored to have told many stories over the past four years. From stories about local drag queens to an OU alumna challenging women’s exclusion from baseball, I never grew tired of listening to people’s passions and life experiences.
One of my favorite stories I wrote during my time at OU was a feature on Yvette McGee Brown, an OU alumna and the first Black woman justice to serve on Ohio’s Supreme Court. During the interview, McGee Brown said something that has stuck with me for the past two years.
“All of us have a sphere of influence,” McGee Brown said. “It can be great or it can be small. But each of us has the ability to impact the world from where we are and grow.”
As I prepare to graduate from OU, I want to thank the people who let me share their stories. The classroom taught me a lot, but it is impossible to put a price on learning from people’s lived experiences. I am excited to see what my next chapter brings and also blue to be leaving OU, but I will always carry these stories close to my heart.
And on one last parting note, I believe when we exchange stories and share them for others to learn from, we look back fondly and move forward boldly.
McKenna Christy is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post.
