“Got Me Reminiscing on Them Good Times”
Someone very close to me once said, “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go do that. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.” After hearing this quote from the most inspirational person in my life, I chose to live by it. I feel Monmouth was a place that truly made me come alive. Monmouth allowed me to thrive and succeed through the classroom, student organizations and extra added perks like traveling to Ireland, Seattle, San Francisco, Philadelphia and San Diego to further my education and frame my outlook on life. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities I was presented and for the people that I have met during my time here.
Before Monmouth I never felt so comfortable, so at home and so accepted. I met some of the most influential professionals and my very best friends that will stay with me forever. I would not have succeeded or gotten to be where I am today without the following people…
Mom and Dad: Thank you for being my support system, my cheerleaders and the most important two people in my life. I would not be where I am today without your guidance, your love and your faith in all that I do. You have given me so much these past 22 years and I hope that I can one day be at least half the parents that you are for my children.
Office of Public Affairs Staff: Thank you so much for providing me a place to grow and learn within my field. Each one of you have been so supportive and it was truly an honor to be able to work in your office for the past four years.
Professor Harris: You are one of my biggest inspirations. You have taught me so much about life and to never give up on my dreams. You have always believed in me and made me realize my true potential. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to to work with you these past two years.
Dr. McAllister: I appreciate all that you have done for me this past year. You were always there to support me through anything along the way and to help me realize my potential as a leader and a PR professional.
Shadow PR Eboard: Thank you for an incredible year. From Habitat for Humanity to raising over $10,000 for The Valerie Fund, and everything inbetween, we would not have been successful if it was not for all of your hard work and dedication. I was truly blessed with such a great group.
Kristi: We accomplished so much in our short time with Shadow PR/PRSSA and I could not have asked for a better co-president. You have become one of my best friends and I regret not becoming closer sooner. You are destined for amazing things and I cannot wait to see where you end up. Make sure you keep in touch, and don’t forget to invite Sarah and me to the wedding.
Brittany: My first roomie and my very first friend at Monmouth! Some of my best college memories have you in it and I know that we have so many more to come. I’ve heard that your first roommate in college might not turn out to be a lifelong friend, but in this case, I believe that statement is false. “Anyway Brittany,” I could not have asked for a better Willow and Norgrove roomie and friend.
Matt: From our days in Laurel and Willow halls to all of the “Wednesday Friendsdays” and parties at Fairfield to Howland, and everything else inbetween, we have had quite a memorable four years. You were one of my first friends at Monmouth and I’m happy that you stuck with me until the end and became one of my best. You’ve always reminded me that I “just gotta want it” and I’ve honestly lived by that quote ever since the first time I heard you say it. I’m sure going to miss our time together and I wish you nothing but the best in the future.
Melissa: The only other girl that shares and understands my love for hockey and the New York Rangers. I’m so happy that I decided to randomly walk out of my class to accept your invitation to watch a Ranger playoff game a couple years ago. We have become so close over the past year and I am so sad that you are leaving me for Tampa, but I am so proud of you for going for your PhD (and that I have a warm place to visit for the next 5 years). Good luck with everything! You’ll do great.
Raven: My little “Rae of Sunshine.” Words cannot express how happy I am that I met you. You have always been there for me and I am so thankful to call you one of my best friends. I’m so sad you left me a semester early, but the memories we made last semester will stay with me forever. You’re an amazing woman and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you.
Sandy and Evelyn: This is actually my hardest goodbye to write. You two were my mothers away from home. I cannot thank you enough for all of the guidance and support you two have given me over the past four years. I could always count on you both to tell me exactly what I needed to hear versus some BS advice. I could write an entire Outlook page for how thankful I am to have you both in my life. I am going to miss you both so very much.
Gina: I owe my love for The Outlook all to you. I walked through the door and made a change my freshman year and never looked back. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms and being an amazing leader.
Anthony: The older brother I never had. From practically living at The Outlook to hanging out at the dips, we’ve had so many good times and talks. I’ll be sure to give you a call to complain about how I wish the real world would just stop hassling me in a few months.
Brett: I can’t believe after all this time I still have yet to come up with a nickname for you despite the running list of about 50 that you have for me. I’m not going to lie, I kind of missed you in the office this year (kind of). It was strange not having someone throwing things at me, yelling “AD!”, or gesturing ATG – GTA … now that I think of it, I actually enjoyed the silence this year. You’re probably the only person that can make me so incredibly angry and then laugh so hard within the same 60 seconds, but I am thankful for that. We’ve been through a lot together and had our share of ups and downs, but I am so glAD that I am able to call you one of my best friends and that we remained so close even after you grADuatED. (see what I did there?) I hope things stay that way once I move on from bartering and placing ads.
To the amazing members of the “Seattle Staff” (Anthony, Brett, Ed, Gina, Jackie, Jenna, Joanna, Matt, Nick and Sarah) Our bond was one that is found few and far between. This is the year that The Outlook became my family, even though some saw us as just a group of student journalists. I am so thankful to have experienced Seattle and my first full year working at The Outlook with this staff, and I often wish that I could go back. You are all amazing writers and I hope that each one of you is able to land the job of your dreams.
To my wonderful “SanFran Staff” (Alexis, Alyssa, Brett, Casey, Chris, Clutter, Ed, Jackie, Jenna, Kevin, Maggie, Nick and Nicole) We went through a lot together, but in the end, we maintained our Outlook family. Through all of the ADs, EDs, ASSes, Hodges, and of course barters, we accomplished another national title, ultimately proving how amazing each and every one of you are and that you are most definitely in the right profession. Never stop writing, and remember, as Mr. Feeny would say, “Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do good.”
Angela: My future business partner! It has been nothing short of fabulous getting to know you and becoming so close this past year. You never cease to amaze me with all that you do and how you excel through your various positions. You are such a smart, funny, energetic, and positive person and I am thankful to have you in my life. I am looking forward at what the future holds for us and our business.
Alyssa: From our Starbucks runs to sushi dates to trying to stay awake in Damiani’s Human Biology class, it has been one heck of a ride. I can always count on you for a laugh or for solid advice when I really need it. You have always been there for me no matter what and have been such a great friend, and I know that we will remain close after college. You are an amazing artist, exceptional writer and you deserve nothing but the best. Go after your dreams, and never stop believing in yourself.
Bri: You are always there to offer a smile, a laugh, or to share a ridiculously funny story just when I need it the most. I always loved your quirky, bubbly personality – never change that. I am so happy that we became so close this year and my graduating better not change that … you know, as we continue through life like plastic bags caught in a tree. Thank you for being an amazing friend. You are truly “McCabe-able” of anything and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for you in the future.
Casey: You are going to be an amazing leader and I can’t wait to see what the paper is going to look like next year. I am so happy that I got to know you and have grown so close with you. I can’t believe that I found someone that has literally the same exact taste in music that I do, and that I have a concert buddy for life. You are probably the sweetest person that I have ever met. I am thankful that you have entered my life and I hope that you never leave. Best of luck next year, I know you will do great.
Chris: We have grown so close and I am lucky to have you in my life. You have been such a huge asset to The Outlook and have been one of my biggest supporters. Thank you for your consistent words of wisdom and encouragement along the way. I would not have been able to get through this year without you always standing behind me and offering a helping hand. I wish you the best of luck in grad school and whereever the future takes you. I know that you are going to be very successful, so just remember to keep me in mind as your PR chair for your presidential campaign. Commando for President 2028!
Jess Leahy: I am so happy that you applied for the advertising position! I know that I am leaving The Outlook in great hands.
Maggie: Oh Margaret Mary, where do I begin? You are one of the sweetest and happiest people that I ever met and I love that you are always in such a good mood. You truly brought so much positive energy into both the PRSSA and Outlook offices and I am really sad that I won’t be able to see you every single day like I have for the past two years. I know that you are going to do amazing leading PRSSA next year with Casey and I cannot wait to see what you both accomplish.
Netta: I’ll only be a town away in a couple of months, so this isn’t really goodbye, just a see you later. It’s been great getting to know you this year. From talks about hockey to music to whatever random topic came to our minds, it’s been a blast. However, I am still waiting on you to find me my Canadian and for you to introduce me to quality beer.
Nicole: A woman that can relate to my struggles of being constantly overwhelmed with work and overly involved at Monmouth. I wish you the best of luck in everything that you do. I will really miss you!
Erin, Fabiana, Taylor, Sandie, Kyle & Jess: I am so happy that I got to know you all this year and that you joined Outlook. Best of luck to those graduating and good luck to all of the returning Outlookers next year!
Jackie: Of course I had to save you for last in The Outlook group! You did an amazing job with the paper this year and were an excellent Editor-in-Chief. I wish I was able to dedicate more time to giving you attention this year. I am truly blessed to have you in my life and I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done for me. You were always there to remind me of my worth and to inspire me to keep pushing through any challenge that was sent my way. You are such a strong woman and I admire your leadership and value your advice. You are going to be so successful one day and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for you. I am honored to call you one of my best friends and I hope that we remain this close once school is done. I will never say “goodbai” to you, only see you later!
Nicholas: You have been my best friend for almost 23 years. I consider you more like a twin brother than a cousin, and I value our relationship so much. I am so thankful to have you in my life as someone that supports me, takes care of me, and makes me laugh the hardest. You are such an amazing person and I hope that you realize how much of an impact you have had on my life.
Jenny: I had to save you for last since you were the biggest part of my Monmouth experience. Even though you hated my guts the first day you met me, I somehow conned you into becoming my “beastie” and world traveling companion. From Ireland to Mexico, we have had quite the adventures. We made countless memories these past four years and you have grown to become such an important person in my life. I do not know what I have done to deserve such an amazing, loyal, supportive and beautiful best friend. I could go on forever about our memories, favorite songs and inside jokes. There is no one I would have rather lived with or had the sleepy ha-ha’s with for three consistent years. I sure missed having you by my side day in and day out, but I know that you are doing amazing at UNC and that you are going to be such a wonderful and successful nurse. Thank you for being you and reminding me to “hold on, for one more day” whenever times got tough. Para vivar en la casa … en las escuelas … tis all.
I wish I was allowed more space to write even more about all of the wonderful people that walk the Monmouth campus. I am excited to take the next step in my life, but I will forever miss the place I called my home for the past four years. Now is the time for the Class of 2014 to come alive and start a new chapter. Hawks, lets spread our wings and soar.
