Not a Goodbye, But a “See You Soon”
First and foremost, I have to say that I am still in shock that my college career is coming to an end. I still remember moving into Cedar M1 like it was yesterday. I also remember crying like a baby and having a mental breakdown after my parents left me between four cement walls.
It is quite ironic that I’ll probably be having another breakdown shortly after I walk across the stage at PNC in my cap and gown. This entire experience has been one wild ride, with ups and downs, but mostly, memories that will last a lifetime. I wouldn’t have had such an amazing experience at Monmouth if it were not for a lot of people, so I am grateful I have the opportunity to thank them all.
To my mom and dad. Where do I begin? If it weren’t for you guys, I wouldn’t be here in the first place. I could never begin to thank you enough for all that you have done for me these past twenty-one years. You both are the reason I had the opportunity to come to college, a privilege many people wish they could receive. From reading me bedtime stories (which mom claims is what “made me so smart”) to taking me back and forth to school, dance, and every other place I wanted to go, you have both been my biggest fans and greatest supporters. Your encouragement, belief in me, and constant bragging (yes, I’m talking to you dad) pushed me to become who I am today. I couldn’t have done any of this without you, so thank you. And I hope you’re ready for me to come back home after four long years of freedom.
To my extremely large family: Thank you all for supporting me and encouraging me throughout all my years in school.
To my best friend, Katie. From being the girl I fought over Barbies with in fourth grade to becoming my first college roommate, you have stuck by my crazy self for more than a decade. If I didn’t have you to ignore every night in our dorm room freshman year, I probably would have packed my bags and ran back then. College taught us a lot of things about ourselves, and through everything, I am still proud to call you one of my pals. In our high school yearbook you said I’d be stuck with you, and you’re right, I still am. I’m convinced that if we made it through another four years, forever won’t be too hard to manage. Thanks for being my BFF4L, for being there whenever I needed you, and for always being you. Now please, do not grow up and become the crazy cat lady that I’ve always imagined you as. And get over Harry Potter already. See you in H-town.
To my soul sister, Taylor. When we first moved into the dorms, I have to admit I was quite upset to see another nametag that read “Taylor” on our door. I was never fond of sharing my name with anyone else. Yet, that was the first thing to bring us close together. Along the way, we discovered that we’re both only children, had white cats, and a bunch of other coincidences that make us quite the pair. I couldn’t imagine these four years without you. From random adventures, to MDW, to locking ourselves in our room for hours and jamming out, I found my partner in crime. I can always count on you for a good laugh (you do most of the crying part). I’m looking forward to whatever else we can plan in the future—there’s so many more activities to do. Thanks for being my go-to girl since day one.
To my roommates. We’ve been together since day one at Monmouth and many people can’t say the same. I can’t even think of all the memories we’ve shared, from Cedar Hall to Willow and of course, the one and only Cummings Avenue. I never believed I would find so many friends at college and I’m glad that I found you guys. Each one of you is so different, which is what I love most. You all were what made my time at Monmouth so memorable. We have watched each other grow from awkward girls fresh out of high school to even more awkward twenty-something year-old women. I could fill a page with everything from these past four years. From the memory jar, to Draft Trash, Timmy, Haneev, and most importantly, pranking Madison regularly, you guys have provided me with tons of laughs. I can’t wait to sit around in twenty years together and talk about all the late nights and early mornings we shared. I wish you all the best of luck in everything you do. My wise words of advice to you all (well not exactly mine): Cherish every damn moment.
To Matt. Even though I only had the pleasure of knowing you for my last two years here, I am grateful for the time we’ve shared. In just two short years you have changed and become an even greater not-so-young-anymore man. You have been there for me whenever I needed you and I am grateful for that (even though you usually think I’m not). From carrying my laundry to the car, to listening to me complain, to sitting through my awful TV shows, you’ve been an awesome sidekick. I can always count of you to cheer me up when I’m down or to really make me mad (both of which tend to happen quite often). No matter what, you always manage to make each day brighter. I hope you still want to hang with me even though I’m an old graduated lady now. I’m always up for trips to Downtown Westfield and long days on the beach. Thank you for everything.
To my sisters. Two years ago AOII didn’t even exist on campus. Now, we have over 100 members and are ready to embark on many more years at Monmouth. I’m sad that I have to go, but you will always hold a special place in my heart. I have met some of my greatest friends through this experience and I can’t wait to see what you all do to make AOII even greater. From talent show practices to sisterhoods and countless long hours together, I’ll never forget any of it. Keep exceeding the expectation. To my twin: We didn’t choose to be twins, but I couldn’t have asked for anyone better. I can’t wait to come back and hang with you when you’re a big bad senior. To my little: don’t be too lost without me, can’t wait to come annoy you next year! To the boo crew: Hay boos. Keep it classy. Thank you all for making my time at college even better than before. And you better believe I’ll be back to visit (I’ll still be able to hang with the crew). Best of luck to all of you!
To The Outlook. Thank you guys for taking me under your wing this year when I decided to take an editor position. Even though I was a staff writer previously, I was usually too nervous or scared to walk in the office doors. Maggie, thank you for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone. Joining The Outlook crew was one of the best decisions I’ve made at Monmouth. Not only did I learn InDesign and Photoshop (even though it took some time), but I met a great group of ambitious people who share a love for writing just like I do. Mondays and Tuesdays in the office always provided me with entertainment (and lots of food) and allowed me to become more involved. San Diego was one of the best experiences I’ve had. You all welcomed me with open arms and I’m sad to leave so quickly.
Jackie: Thank you for all of your help with my dumb InDesign, Photoshop, and AP questions. You were the best Editor-in-Chief I could ask for! Now let’s hope we both get employed in the near future…
Chris: Thanks for your assistance with the paper and always being there to answer any questions. Don’t forget about all of us when you’re the President! Good luck!
Sandie: We became closer through The Outlook and I’m happy I met a friend as wild, crazy, and funny as you. You’re going to do great things, probably in Guatemala!
Erin: I can always count on you to make me laugh with your sarcastic remarks. Have so much fun in England and come back to The Outlook!
Maggie: The girl who got me into the doors of The Outlook office and the craziest San Diego roomie. Your personality is one of a kind and I hope you continue to make people laugh. Say hi to Uncle Jimmy and the ghost for me. Keep on partying on girl!
Casey: Who knew you had a wild side? Thanks for accompanying me to class regularly and joking around with me about it. You’re going to do great things as Editor-in-Chief! Good luck!
Fabiana: You are the most stylish, “fab” girl! Plus, you love nails just like me! Good luck to you and keep the Outlook strong (I know you will!)
Brianna: Thanks for always livening up the office and sparking conversation about nails and Chipotle (two of my favorite things). You will do great things as managing editor!
Angela: The vegan queen. I don’t know how you do it, but I commend you. Thanks for all of your compliments and health tips! Good luck in the future!
Alyssa: If you weren’t in the office, I wouldn’t need a hearing aid now. Thanks for always keeping me entertained and making me laugh. And please, one day if I ever get famous, paint a portrait of me!
Taylor: Taylor Gang. Thanks for always providing the office with entertainment. Good luck!
Nicole: A fellow lover of English and entertainment. I will forever be jealous of your awesome page layouts. I’m sure I’ll see your novel on shelves one day! Good luck!
Jess: Thanks for keeping the San Diego room level-headed after Maggie’s wild tangents. We will forever remember Uncle Jimmy. I know you’ll accomplish great things!
Kelly: Thank you for always filling my pages with ads when I am in dire need. And ordering us food every week. And fixing all the problems we ever have. You’re a wizard. I hope we both figure this whole grad school thing out. Until then, keep being awesome at social media, tweet me! Good luck!
Kyle: Thanks for rolling with the crew in San Diego. It was difficult dealing with Sandie, but we made it through somehow.
Sandy: Thanks for being the Outlook mom! I wouldn’t know how to work a fax machine if it weren’t for you!
Professor Morano: Thank you for always pushing your students to do well. You give great advice that will help me to be an even better writer.
To my writing staff: Thank you guys for all of your hard work and dedication. Without you, there would be no lifestyles section.
Kelly: You always pull through for me! I can always count on you to help fill the pages with great content. I hope you take an editor’s position because you deserve it! Good luck!
To the entire staff: I know you all will be very successful in your futures. Keep on writing. I’ll be back to pick up copies of The Outlook.
To my professors: Thank you for giving me the education I dreamed of. You all helped me to hone in on my skills and make my college experience worthwhile.
To Monmouth. Thank you for being my home away from home these past four years. I will miss your beautiful campus and all of the great professors, students, and mentors who helped me get where I am today. This is the place where I grew into myself and I am thankful for everything I have experienced here.
To the students who haven’t had to graduate yet, enjoy every second. People told me the same thing four years ago, but I never expected time to fly by as quickly as it did.
Do your homework ahead of time, study, but don’t stress too much. Go to Amy’s, make it to Happy Hour at the Mix, try to beat the clock at Bar A, and definitely say yes when your friends want to drag you out (even if you want to say no).
Next time you blink, it’ll all be over. As for me, I’m looking forward to new beginnings. But, Monmouth will always be a part of who I have become, and I can’t say thank you enough.
