When I arrived at Berkeley nearly four years ago, I knew I wanted to join The Daily Californian. Having worked on my high school paper for three years, I figured I would continue trying out this journalism thing. It was fun. I liked talking to people. I liked writing.

But I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I had no idea the Daily Cal would take over my life.

Needless to say, these past four years have tested me in numerous ways. I’ve dealt with many disagreeable people, been discouraged by failure and uncertainty, lost countless nights of sleep and sacrificed my grades and relationships. But now that I am about to graduate and move away from the Bay Area for the first time in my life, I cannot imagine spending the last four years any other way.

Years from now, I’ll remember the late nights in the office, struggling to make deadline — and missing 8 a.m. class to distribute the paper by hand when we missed deadline — Tuesday nights in the Berkeley City Council chambers, the protests and occupations, the 10-page papers written in 10 hours, the friendships I’ve made on the job and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Because of my experiences at the Daily Cal, I know what I want to do for the rest of my life and feel more than prepared to enter the journalism industry despite the challenges all of us face as media outlets struggles to adapt to a new landscape.

Last Friday, I turned over my position as editor in chief and president to my successor, Sarah Burns, one of the most inspiring people I’ve met at the Daily Cal and someone whose strength in vision and unyielding dedication will carry this paper and the staff into a new era for student-run journalism.

I am incredibly proud and honored to have been a part of this outstanding organization for the past four years and thankful for the experiences it has given me and the doors it has opened and will continue to open. I owe it all to the Daily Cal.

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I owe thanks to:

My family, for always supporting me, no matter how infrequently I visited home.

Emma, for her friendship and for standing by me through the good and the bad.

Kelly, for challenging us all and innovating like no one else.

Alex, for his sarcasm and dedication to style.

Tomer, for Tomering via email, text, Facebook and phone.

Aaida, for keeping me sane and reminding me to take care of myself.

Nick, for beer and the rides home.

John, for his morning music and sports talk.

Michael, for his dedication and unwavering support.

Lila, for agreeing with me on absolutely everything and forcing me to go to yoga and spin class.

Mihir, for always being a voice of reason.

Springfield, for being a great friend and 10 times the writer I will ever be.

Soumya, Jordan and Claire, for putting up with my nonsense in fall 2011 and helping me get through these last couple years.

Javier, for believing in me and always pushing me to be better.

Raj, Will and Ron, for their guidance and advice.

And every staff member, editor and manager at the Daily Cal for their hard work and dedication.