Adam Campbell | Photo by Dominic Wenrick | The Wright State Guardian
As I sit down to write this farewell letter, a wave of emotions engulfs me, realizing that my journey as a Sports Reporter at The Wright State Guardian is coming to an end. Graduation day is just around the corner, and I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences, challenges and growth that this role has brought into my life.
It feels like it was just yesterday, March 12, 2022, when I first joined the staff at The Wright State Guardian. After not getting involved on campus for over two years in my college career, I took a leap and decided to apply to become a sports reporter not knowing how much it would transform my collegiate experience.
My initiation into The Guardian coincided with a significant moment—covering the WSU men’s basketball First Four matchup in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. It was after my first assignment that I fell in love with this organization. The Guardian would also allow me to travel to Terre Haute, Indiana to cover an NCAA baseball regional tournament, and Louisville, Kentucky to cover an NCAA volleyball tournament.
Growing up, I had always dreamed of getting involved in sports media, and The Guardian was my first taste of what the field had to offer. This newfound passion for sports reporting opened doors beyond The Guardian, leading me to join WWSU 106.9 FM, where I held the position of Sports Director and engaged in play-by-play commentary and podcasts over the radio.
The Guardian, with its unique challenges and opportunities, allowed me to analyze sports in a way that I never could before. I learned to set my bias to the side and call it as I see it, which was initially challenging.
In my tenure at The Guardian, I had the pleasure of covering various teams at Wright State, witnessing their endeavors for success both on and off the field. Wright State is blessed with athletes and coaches who are not only devoted to on-field success but are also kind individuals always willing to support me along my journey.
To all the athletes and coaches at Wright State, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for generously giving me your time, whether after the most exhilarating wins or the most heartbreaking defeats. Your openness and cooperation made my job not only possible but immensely fulfilling.
If I wrote a personal thank you to everyone who made my experience here a great one, this story would go on for a very long time. However, there are a few particular people who must be in this.
Makenzie Ciero, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to join this organization. You took a chance on me when I had zero prior reporting experience. I will never forget how nervous I was coming to my interview where you offered me a position. From there, you became a good friend of mine and continued to help me easily transition in the journalism field with excitement and motivation.
Noah Kindig, thank you for being my first mentor at The Guardian. My transition to this group was that much easier with you leading the way and helping me prepare for when the position became mine after your graduation. We have shared so many moments together, from the NCAA Tournament where I first met you to my final broadcast with you at DayAir Ballpark where we got a glimpse of what the professional side of the field felt like.
James Naylor, thank you for teaching me the importance of professionalism. I learned many valuable lessons from you that helped me become more unbiased in my storytelling while also watching you tackle several stories that were extremely difficult to manage. You are strong, and I know you will continue to do great things in the journalism field.
Dylan Collison, thank you for always being an open set of ears. Your prior experience at The Guardian benefited me when I came across times of struggle and uncertainty. You have always motivated me to be great at both The Guardian and WWSU. I will always relish the fun times and the stressful times we shared together that helped both of us become better versions of ourselves.
Alexis Lewis, thank you for providing empathy in my time at The Guardian. You are an amazing leader, journalist and friend. I know you will achieve so much in your remaining time at The Guardian and beyond. You helped make The Guardian a safe place, one that was fun even in the most trying of times.
Future Sports Reporter, relish every single moment. Embrace every victory and learn from every defeat. The sports world is an everlasting story, and The Guardian will give you an opportunity to add to it.
As I get set to graduate, I carry all of the memories, lessons and friendships with me as I prepare to write a new story. Thank you to The Guardian family for making this more than a newsroom. It was a home to me, a place for tremendous growth and so much more. I wish all of you the best, and may the stories continue to unfold.
With gratitude,
Adam Campbell
Sports Reporter, Class of 2023
