Senior Memoirs: Karissa Esposito

Photo by Gerardo Trujillo

When I started at Elmhurst University, joining the school newspaper wasn’t at the forefront of my mind. My first semester, I floated around, peeking in at different clubs and organizations, none really sparking interest. Until I fell into Old Main room 107.

It was definitely intimidating at first. With no previous journalism experience, I sat in the back trying to gain my bearings. Coming from a small high school, a student-run publication was foreign to me. Soon after joining, I realized how important having this outlet is for students. Eventually, I began to understand the flow and what The Leader’s purpose is.

From there, I gradually became more involved with the team. After a year as a staff writer, I was grateful when Lily, last year’s Editor in Chief, asked me to join the Editorial Board as Arts and Culture Editor.

I stepped into this new role and accepted the challenges and growth that it offered me. My favorite part was hashing out pitches and angles with the staff writers. There are so many bright and insightful students that I have had the privilege to work with. This goes to show how many pockets of gold are walking around campus, just waiting to find their outlet.

Joining behind the scenes with the Editorial Board held some of my favorite memories, with random group texts, meetings that reached topics way beyond The Leader, and Sunday afternoons spent last-minute copy editing as we tried not to lose our minds over headline lengths.

I’m beyond thankful for the support and time spent with everyone involved with The Leader. I’m so glad to have had my Tuesday protected hours blocked off to see and converse with such an amazing group of students and faculty (thank you, Eric and Denny, for all your guidance).

Saying goodbye to EU is incredibly bittersweet. This place has shown me endless love, friendship, acceptance, and even challenges that I will forever be grateful for.

I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to work at Student Financial Services and at the A.C. Buehler Library during my time here. The staff and fellow student co-workers became my family, and I knew I’d always have support, even being away from home.

My biggest support system came from my friends; that initial Honors Retreat trip changed the trajectory of my college experience solely because I met the greatest people in my life. To the Three Men and the Ma’ams, you all are stuck with me for the rest of your lives, whether you like it or not.

If I were to see my freshman self now, I’d tell her that she’s about to start the greatest three years of her life. She gained everything she hoped for by attending college, along with many unexpected opportunities.

Freshman Karissa probably wouldn’t recognize Senior Karissa. I’ve grown through my classes, my jobs, the clubs and organizations I joined, and the study abroad opportunities I had. Parting from this chapter of my life will be difficult, but I am forever thankful for having such a hard thing to say goodbye to.