Lizzy Banta’s Last Article

Lizzy Banta
May 24, 2012
Filed under News and Features

I am deathly afraid of public speaking. It generally evokes in me an urge to cry, throw up, or run away. I am generally unable to sleep the night before a big presentation. Coming in freshmen year, I thought that if I surrounded myself with some of the most outspoken people in the school, I would gain some of their confidence. I remember first joining the Quill in freshman year and being intimidated by the strong opinions of the people surrounding me. Back in the days when the only thing that kept me going to meetings was the free pizza, I used to hide my head, not making eye contact, making sure to only be noticed enough to have to write one article. I was new and inexperienced and staying on the outskirts seemed like the best plan.

             I still don’t consider myself an outspoken person. In class, I am usually the last person to participate in discussions, but I learned how to express my opinions in other ways. The Quill became a place for me to say what I felt without ever having to open my mouth.

It has been such an honor writing for the Quill for the past four years. In short, I just want to say thanks. Thank you to the past editors and leaders of the Quill who helped me to find my voice. Thank you to the new staff for taking on this great responsibility. Thank you especially to Riley, who sat through those first meetings with me as the only other scared, little freshmen. As sad as it is to be leaving Friends, and all the people I have met, it is with many fond memories that I depart for whatever comes next.