Editor ends four-year run with newspaper

In an ultimate test of my writing skills, I will attempt to fit my four years with this newspaper and at this university in the space provided to me. It has been a life-changing experience, in both positive and negative ways. While there are things I'll be happy to leave behind, moving on from what has made me the person I am now will surely be one of the most difficult things I have to do.

I remember stepping into the newsroom for the first time and asking the sports editor at the time, James Bright, about covering women's soccer. As intimidating as it was for a timid, raw writer straight out of high school to jump into this world, James made it much easier. He taught me everything I needed to know, both directly and indirectly, about how to carve out a path for myself in the journalism world. His leadership as editor was no doubt a big factor in the motivation I felt in continuing to make this paper better and, as a result, make myself better. Thank you for everything, Bearjew.

To my fellow journalist, editor and dear brother, Caleb Slinkard; what could I have done without you? You motivated me, took the burden with me to make this paper better and propped me up when I would have surely fallen. Even that is not enough to accurately describe how much of a bro you've been to me. It's hard to imagine going off to another paper and not having you there. No matter how much, or quickly, we may have grown tired of the Batman and Robin comparison when we began working with the Texan, there is no doubt we were a dynamic duo. Some day, when you're up in the north, bustling about between Glasgow and Edinburgh or running a paper in a small Scottish town, come down and see me in London. There's a nice pub across the street from Waterloo Station. I'll buy you a drink sometime.

There are so many people from that fantastic group of editors I was fortunate to be part of that made this the most amazing time of my life. Jrush, you helped keep us together and on task. It's an inspiration to see where you are now, doing what you love. Chance, the newsroom is quieter without you, and that's not a good thing. You gave us life, a boost of cheer when we needed it the most and some of the most entertaining columns and reviews I have read. Jared, you gave us a great source of wisdom. You helped keep things in perspective and made the numerous hours spent in the windowless newsroom very bright. I wish you and Jasmin the best of luck, wherever life may take you. Cody - great Rafiki - thank you for the faith you showed in me. Clearly, it had a very positive effect.

Fred, you are a fantastic adviser that we are very lucky to have. I always felt comfortable when asking for your guidance, because I knew you would provide it and it would be incredibly reliable. Your classes gave me the canvas, and the paper was all the colors I needed to ensure my time here was a true masterpiece. I have the utmost respect for you and Dr. Bridges, as your teachings have prepared me for anything I may encounter once I step out on my own.

So many experiences in these last four years have made me want to do it all over again. I will never forget Molina's, and that other 'M' Tex-mex restaurant we will never go to again for reasons that were very obvious very soon after our visit. Shaunaumbrella ball was the ultimate pastime. The good times we all had at the TIPA conventions, or at least the ones I can remember, will stay with me forever.

There are no regrets; I don't believe in them. There are things about the past four years that I wish had gone differently but were out of my control. Everything has brought me here, both good and bad. So, I imagine it is only right that I respond to the feelings I have and use my next step to go far, far away from here. Regardless of how much it hurts, I have no choice. It is the only way for me to escape the parts of my life I find undesirable and replace them with the new treasures I find.