Some would call them classmates, others would call them peers and a few may even call them rivals.
I call them friends.
Not even a split-second’s time did anything else come to my mind when considering what I’d miss about working here.
Not even close.
It’s been four long semesters since the first day I stepped into the newsroom, and what I’ll take away from my time spent here, above all else, are the days and moments with the people I’ve met and worked with.
Sure I learned how to write really well, because otherwise I would’ve begun this farewell with a cliché quote or cheesy song lyric.
I also found a passion in writing, even won a few awards, (including a second place finish in a sports writing contest by the way) but what has stuck with me the most has been the friends I’ve made along the way.
There is no way I could have won awards, (that contest I won out of more than 50 other students if you were wondering) find my passion and enjoy writing without the company of these people.
For four semesters, whether we were sharing laughs or rough times, except crying because I don’t cry, there was never a dull moment with these people.
I’d like to thank the editors I worked with this semester for the great times I had with them. Haipha Simon, for getting me get through this semester alive; MariaCristina Gonzalez, for always being reliable, making it cool to misspell my name and wanting to live her life; Erika Maldonado, for suffering with us for one more semester and having quite possibly the best laugh in the world; Eric Farrell, for our never-ending back and forth while wearing a bowler hat; Samantha Troisi, for pushing me by winning tons of awards and always eating my fries without asking; Matt Simon, for always being up to a challenge and bearing with me in that archery writing contest; Andrew Lim, for being the best co-sports editor and his awesome sound effect leads and Viridiana Vaca-Rios, for always handling every situation with a smile on her face.
They have all worked hard juggling the publication and their lives and making my life easy. I had a great time working with them and with the many other people on staff I have worked with throughout my time here.
I want to thank Lori Medigovich and Kate McLaughlin, my advisers, for pushing me, figuratively speaking of course, to do my best and never giving up on me. There is no way I make it this far without them. You see, doing great things like that should get them raises, just my opinion.
I also thank the writers for working their butts off this semester. I know it wasn’t easy for them, but they stuck through to the end and it was great working with them.
While part of me is excited to move on to a new chapter in my life, part of me will always want to come back and remember my classmates, peers, rivals and friends of this great place.