Towards the end of October, junior Annie Mach was watching her little sister play at the state high school tennis championship. It dawned on her that it was the end of an era.

"My older sister and I were both a little sad because it was the last time one of us would be there," said Mach, a sports editor since second semester last year with the Manitou Messenger. "We all played tennis and we all went to the state tournament and knowing that it was the last time was sad, but it brought back good memories."

Two months later, another era will end. Mach decided to step down as sports editor for next semester, making this her final issue. "Iıve known for awhile that I wouldnıt be coming back next semester, so it is a good thing," said Mach of her departure. "I need more time to pursue other activities and to get more involved with volunteer work."

As well as being the sports editor, she arrived at St. Olaf with the intent of going pre-med. "I came to Olaf as a biology major," said Mach. "But Iıve realized that going pre-med is a huge commitment and Iım not sure Iım ready to do that for a career."

"Then English came along and I loved it from the first class that I took here," said Mach of her unique combination as a biology/english double major. "English is pretty universal. It has skills that every discipline uses and it has given me a great background."

On top of that, Mach also commits a lot of her time to volunteering. "I love to volunteer because it makes me feel really good," said Mach. "It gives me a better outlook to see people who donıt have it very easy. I have a lot and I love to give back what I can."

"Even if I do become a doctor, Iıd work part-time and also work at a free clinic and give up myself in that way," added Mach. "Iıll do something outside of my job that takes up a lot of time and is important to me."

One of her biggest commitments has been the newspaper. After writing mostly for news her first year at St. Olaf, she was offered the position of sports editor and took it. "It didnıt really matter [what section it was]," said Mach, "I really grew to like working with sports."

She had grown up around sports, but as the sports editor, she learned how she could use the section as a service to other students. "I hope [our section] makes people realize that there are a lot of interesting and talented people here. I want our readers to realize whatıs out there‹thereıs more than just the scores and we try to cover everything we can."

"Annie has been an unparalleled asset to the Messenger," said executive editor Elizabeth Holmes. "We [the Messenger] value the enthusiasm, meticulous work ethic and expertise she brings to the newspaper each week. I will be very sorry to see her go."

"Sheıs really busy all the time," said junior Erin Nelson, a roommate of Machıs. "Sheıs constantly doing stuff and sheıs such a sweetheart about giving up her time‹but we [the roommates] do get to see her a lot."

Her friends have been very important in developing Mach. She loves to have fun, but she can also curl up and pop in a movie when she feels lazy. "Sometimes I get stressed by taking on so much," noticed Mach, "but my roommates have been great for me and I donıt regret it. Itıs who I am."

Her strong feeling of giving back is probably linked back to the supportive family she grew up with. "My family is made up of the most random people Iıve ever met, but theyıve always been supportive," said Mach. "Theyıve looked out for my well-being, but they knew I was independent and would make the right decisions."

One of Machıs goals of the future is to write a childrenıs book. "Iıd love to continue writing and it would be something Iıd like to give to my kids someday," said Mach. "I want to have a family and maybe my kids will be my inspiration. It would be nice to make a book that teaches kids and can be entertaining."

Mach also plans on continuing with the newspaper in the capacity of a writer. "Iıll probably write for news just so that I can stay in touch with whatıs up on campus," said Mach. "Iım going to miss working with sports because I really love the staff. I can pick up and read a paper anytime, but giving up my connection with the people at the paper will be what I miss the most."