In spring 2019, I found out that I would be the adviser to The Prowl again. Mr. Crittendon, the previous adviser, had told me that he had planned on naming Elizabeth Franklin as editor and that I should do the same.

I talked to Elizabeth pretty soon after, taking her out of her AP Government class and into the hallway to talk to her about the changes. I wanted to give her a chance to opt-out if she didn’t feel comfortable with a new adviser. 

I also wanted to make sure she would like to be the editor. Her response has stuck with me: “I want it more than anything.”

Those words, particularly the phrase “more than anything,” have echoed in my head as I’ve thought about what I’d do for my farewell to Elizabeth. 

And so, Elizabeth, what I want to do is tell you what I want you to know — more than anything.

More than anything, I want you to know how much I admire and respect you as a staff member, a journalist, a student and a person.

More than anything, I want you to know that I value our relationship, no matter how many times you ignore my advice or tell me I’ve interrupted you or start your articles late or roll your eyes at me or groan at one of my awesome jokes or…well, you get the picture.

More than anything, I want you to know that you have potential beyond what you can currently comprehend and that you are capable of excellence people like me can only dream about. 

More than anything, I want you to know that you are respected by everyone who has had the privilege of teaching you and working with you.

More than anything, I want you to know that your legacy and what you’ve done to help us re-establish The Prowl’s presence will live on for as long as I’m here and hopefully beyond.

More than anything, I want you to know that this staff will miss you and that I will miss you. 

More than anything, I want you to know how thankful I am that when I asked you to take on this role, you told me you wanted to do it more than anything.