In a heartfelt farewell piece titled “Swan Songs,” a contributor of the Technique reflects on their journey through college and the impact of their experiences at the publication.
They recount how they initially got involved with the Technique during a carpool ride, where a driver suggested they write about the alternative music scene in Atlanta.
This unexpected invitation led to an unforgettable experience that started with their first media and photo pass to a show at the Masquerade.
As a music contributor during their first semester, their initial sporadic writing eventually blossomed into an application for the entertainment staff writer position.
Fast forwarding three-and-a-half years, they now find themselves wrapping up an unpredictable college experience.
Beginning as an Electrical Engineering major, the contributor felt a longing for something more fulfilling.
After a switch to mechanical engineering, they encountered the Technique again and saw it as a chance to step away from the figure-heavy coursework, reigniting their passion for writing that had been overshadowed by homework.
Their involvement with the Technique propelled them to change their major for the second and final time to Literature, Media and Communication.
This decision brought a renewed sense of belonging, as they found excitement and passion that matched those felt by their peers in other majors.
Throughout their college journey, the Technique remained a constant presence, evolving alongside them.
They transitioned from contributor to staff writer and then to assistant entertainment editor, deepening their journalistic pursuits into broader areas of entertainment while grappling with technical writing standards like the absence of Oxford commas.
Despite celebrating the positive impact the Technique had on their life, they still find the transformation they underwent hard to believe.
Flipping from an occasional music writer to attending early movie screenings and conducting interviews with actors, directors, and musicians is a journey few could anticipate.
As they reflect on friendships formed, events attended, and opportunities earned, they acknowledge the cliché that most of their college experience, in one way or another, ties back to the Technique.
However, these opportunities extended far beyond invitations to events; they included discovering a beloved field and witnessing personal growth and increased confidence in various aspects of life beyond writing.
While composing their farewell piece, they ponder the potential messages woven within their story.
They conclude that nothing in life is set in stone, and their college path diverged significantly from their original intentions to pursue an Electrical Engineering degree.
This realization is not merely about taking the “road less traveled.”
The Technique has a history that predates their involvement and will continue long after many graduates leave.
Every seemingly minor decision carries weight, influencing who we become, often without us realizing it.
The initial visit to the old media office, before changes to the student center, proved to be a pivotal moment that now fosters immense gratitude within them.
As the contributor prepares to graduate, they hope to leave behind something positive, a token of appreciation for the positivity and opportunities the Technique provided throughout their journey.
image source from：https://nique.net/opinions/2025/04/18/im-a-helluva-non-engineer/
