By: Rhett Seitz
Well, friends, here we are. This is the last lifestyle article for the last Accent issue of the 2025-2026 school year. It is hard to believe that we are here at this moment. It feels like just yesterday when I wrote my first-ever “Welcome Back,” detailing “How to level up your semester.” Now, here we are on the other end of the spectrum.
When writing this article, I really had to hit the brakes and think hard about what to write for this last issue. After all, how do you say farewell after a whole year of writing?
For this last issue, I decided to do something a little different. I wanted to make this issue more personal, talking about the lessons I have learned both in this role and during my time here at Southern.
But to give these lessons, I first need to go back to the beginning.
Last August, I was walking outside at my grandmother’s house, doing what every productive person does: scrolling on Instagram. I stumbled upon the Accent’s Instagram story, which was seeking new writers. It said to respond to the story if you were interested.
Since I was heading into my last year of college, I wanted to do something fun that I had never done before. After all, I believe it’s good to get out of your comfort zone and try new things (if you couldn’t tell from my previous articles).
Intrigued, I decided to go out in faith and respond to the story.
I honestly did not expect a reply back, assuming I’d be ghosted like many people who apply for jobs online.
However, an editor messaged me back on Instagram and asked, “What type of writing would you like to write?” I responded, “Whatever options are needed, but more focused on mental health, life advice or just general life stories. What is needed?”
The editor said that was actually what they were looking for, and they would be in contact with me.
A few days later, I got a phone call from a number I did not recognize. When I answered, it was Hayden Kobza, the editor-in-chief. He told me he wanted me to join the team as the lifestyle editor and thought that I would be a great fit.
I was shocked. I was expecting only to write maybe a piece or two, as I didn’t realize the Instagram story was asking for section editors. I was honored to have the invitation extended to me; however, I was still a little hesitant. I had writing experience, and I loved writing, but I had never written an article before, nor did I ever expect myself to be an editor.
I asked Hayden for some time to think before deciding. I thought to myself, “What if my articles aren’t good? Is writing an article every week too much for me? What if I run out of ideas? What if, what if, what if?”
But then, I thought this was exactly the position for me. I love sharing advice and helping others, so why not treat the people reading my articles as my parishioners being “fed”? After that thought, I had my answer.
I called Hayden back and committed. I never looked back and have enjoyed the journey ever since. These articles were not just lessons for my readers, but also insights for me to grow and develop as a person. I have tried to make every article unique and compelling, so that people think, “I never considered that before.”
As I write my last article, I wanted to offer some final encouraging, uplifting advice that I have learned during my time here at Southern and in my life.
All of us are reaching some kind of goal in life, a summit of some kind. True satisfaction comes not from finally standing at the peak and being done, but from the continual climb itself, the journey along the way. Keeping your eyes focused on the upward journey will motivate you to live the life God wants for you. Never stop climbing that summit, as that is what life is all about.
Whether you realize it or not, wherever you go in life, you are creating, building and leaving a legacy behind you. That legacy can be either good or bad. No matter what others think or say about it, what do you want your legacy to look like, especially after you are gone?
Answering that question with a goal in mind will help you decide how to live your life now. Granted, this doesn’t mean you won’t make mistakes, nor does it mean that you shouldn’t, because you learn more from your mistakes than your successes—and trust me, I have made plenty.
Your legacy isn’t built by being perfect; it is built by how you treat and relate to other people.
Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said, “To leave the world a bit better… to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
After all, people are what make the world go around. The path of life is full of failures, but life itself is one big success, as it is always a blessing to be alive. What makes life rewarding is knowing that we all have each other to join us on the climb.
When it’s all said and done, nothing will be greater than seeing Jesus and hearing the words of Matthew 25:21, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
I want to thank the entire Accent team for allowing me to be part of this journey over the past year. I want to thank Hayden Kobza for extending this invitation to me and Eliana Morales for being an amazing manager this year and helping me in this role.
Lastly, I want to thank every single one of you, readers, for taking the time out of your schedules to read my articles. I have enjoyed hearing your feedback and how you have been blessed by my articles.
And for the last time, my friends, I will see you all later. It truly has been a joy!
