“After eight incredible years, the time has come for me to say farewell to WMUL-FM. A goodbye to my entire life.
What started as a quiet freshman signing up to be a DJ quickly turned into something much bigger—a calling, a community, and ultimately, a home. I never could have imagined then how deeply this station would shape my life. WMUL-FM gave me far more than experience in broadcasting—it gave me purpose, growth, lifelong friendships, and the confidence to become the person I am today. It was my butterfly moment. My reason to stay in college, it’s why I am the first in my family to pursue a graduate degree, why I started teaching, why I am the person I am today.
Over the years, I’ve had the immense privilege of learning, teaching, and leading alongside some of the most creative, hardworking, and compassionate people I’ve ever known, or will ever know. I never had to embellish or reframe how much work the people here accomplished or how close they were as a team because they proved that everyday. Together, we’ve built something extraordinary
—from award-winning newscasts and play-by-plays, to late-night edits, station revamps, and spirited debates over playlists and policies. In the past year alone, we earned top honors from the Virginias Associated Press Broadcasters and brought home multiple Platinum and Gold MarCom Awards, as well as awards for write-ups, social media, television, online, and more—accomplishments that reflect your talent, dedication, and resilience.
But while I’m proud of the trophies, it’s the everyday moments I’ll carry with me. The laughter echoing from the newsroom. The impromptu dance breaks. Reminders to quieten down for recordings. The shared snacks, shared struggles, and the deep sense of “we” that lives in our little station hidden in the Communications Building. WMUL wasn’t just something I did—it was who I was. And leaving it behind is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.
To our volunteers: you are the heartbeat of this place. You made me want to be better every single day. Watching you grow into leaders, journalists, and teammates has been the greatest honor of my time here. You reminded me what it means to care deeply and lead with heart.
To the listeners, alumni, and community members: thank you for believing in this station, for cheering us on, and for letting us be part of your story.
To the faculty and mentors who guided me, and to the coworkers who became family—you changed my life for the better because you cared to take the extra time and beyond that, you trusted me.
WMUL-FM is more than a college radio station. It’s a legacy built on love, grit, and the belief that student voices matter.
I may be stepping away, but this station, and all of you, will forever be part of who I am. And seeing you all struggle with my departure proves to me that what I did mattered, that what you will carry on makes a difference here on campus.
Thank you for everything.
You all have my entire heart,
Makaylah Wheeler
Station Manager, WMUL-FM”