I would first like to thank everyone for the opportunity to work with The Prospector. It has been an amazing four years with Student Media & Publications and UTEP.

Over the years, the department has allowed me to grow as both a student and as an individual. They are the most supportive and kind-hearted people to work with. I have made many memories with the department. My fondest memory with The Prospector was creating the Ms. Centennial drawing, which won a national award. The illustration represented everything UTEP is: strong, beautiful and unique.

Throughout these last four years, I have experienced many things such as meeting new people, gaining new skills to prepare me for the workforce and even learning a new language.

As the years have passed, the road to graduation became clearer and clearer. I have had family members tell me once I graduate, reality sets in–you are now a true “community member” headed to the workforce. To be honest, I am scared and excited to graduate because I have worked two jobs non-stop in order to help my financial situation.

I have had to work through the day, go to class and then drive home and rest before heading into my second job at night. After a while, working two jobs and going to school takes a toll on you both mentally and physically. However, working hard does pay off.

There is a saying in my family that we go by, “no sacrifice, no victory.” With every little sacrifice we make, a larger victory is gained. I will be the first in my family to graduate. It is a milestone that means a lot to both my parents and me. Even though I have worked and studied for four years, all of it is nothing compared to the amount of sacrifices my parents have made.

I remember my first day at UTEP. I was scared, yet determined. I wanted to force myself to thrive and grow, to go beyond my comfort zone and explore new things. I can honestly say I did, but not without making memories I will truly treasure. I can also say I have had the pleasure of watching UTEP grow as well. The first time I walked through the university grounds, it was barely taking its first steps toward becoming an open-area, pedestrian campus.

I’ve watched them build Centennial Plaza from the ground up. I can truly say I have watched and lived through UTEP history. I was also excited to be a part of the Centennial celebration/anniversary. Now, I’m excited to become a UTEP alumnus and am not waiting to see my sister begin her journey at UTEP. It will be fun to see what kind of memories she will make as a Miner.

Saying goodbye is bittersweet, but I know I am moving on to a new adventure. As Marilyn Monroe said, “I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you can appreciate them when they go right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to how to trust, and sometimes, good things fall apart so better things can fall in place together.”

Ashley Muñoz may NOT be reached at [email protected]