They tell you that college goes by so fast. They tell you that one minute you’re a freshman and the next you’re a senior about to grace the graduation stage. They tell you to have fun and enjoy the moment, to get involved, to open up and put yourself outside of your comfort zone. But what you don’t hear about and what they don’t tell you is just how many impactful people you will meet and how hard it will be to let them go.
I walked onto this campus afraid of what it meant to leave home, afraid that I would lose connections with the people that I love, and scared of change. What I soon realized was that Monmouth had been a part of my life all along and that I was always meant to be a Monmouth Hawk. The people that I have met here and the education I have been honored with has allowed me to grow into the person that I always wanted to be but never thought I deserved. I am grateful for this experience and for everything Monmouth has given me and there are countless people I would like to thank.
My sister: Hey sisterrrr! You are the light in my life and my best friend. You are the reason that I keep going and stay motived. Thank you for always supporting me, for always listening to me, and for always being able to make me laugh. I know it was hard a lot of the time being apart during my years at Monmouth and I wish I could have been around more for you. Thank you for always being understanding when I was away and for being there for me when I needed you the most. I can honestly say that without the love and the comfort you have given me throughout my entire life I would have never made it to graduation day. I am so proud of everything you have overcome and accomplished this year. You are the strongest person I know. We are in this world together, you are never alone, and I will always be there for you. I love you.
Mom: You have been one of the most supportive figures throughout my entire life. Growing up you helped me edit every paper or project I had for school, making me attentive to detail and inspiring me to become the writer I am today. You have been there for me through the countless phone calls, the late nights at school, and the sick days at home. I can’t thank you enough for helping me through college and for giving me the opportunity to get there. Your advice, guidance, acceptance, and understanding has allowed me to soar and has given me the tools to succeed. I hope that one day I can afford for the both of us to take a trip to Cali again and drive through the Malibu Hills looking for the next adventure.
Dad: College has changed my life and I would not be here if it weren’t for you. Thank you for supporting me through college and for giving me the opportunity to attend Monmouth. You have always encouraged me to follow my dreams and to find a career path that I am passionate about. Your guidance and comfort has helped me soar. Thank you for continuing to believe in me as I graduate and try to find where I belong in the world.
Sandy: This is a very difficult goodbye to write. Thank you for your guidance. Your door has always been open for every editor and I can’t thank you enough for making this office a home. You have given me clarity when I needed it the most and offered me assistance and support all year. I am going to miss you very much.
Professor Morano: When I was a senior in high school I attended Mondays at Monmouth. Part of the program allows you to sit in on a classroom and experience what life is like within a college seminar. I sat in on your Intro to Journalism class and loved it. It was the reason I came to Monmouth. After class, you took the time to talk to me and answer any questions I had about the University. The fact that a professor made me a priority meant the world to me. Ever since you have guided my academic journey, you have acted as a mentor, and have always welcomed me into your office. I know that your door is always open and I can’t thank you enough for helping me become the writer and person I am today.
Dean Thomas: Thank you for consistently being a source of inspiration. You are always there to remind me of the beauties in life and that I can do anything I set my mind to. You called me one of “the hardest working woman” which has both encouraged me and humbled me. I know I may be quiet in class but I am always listening and always taking in the lesson and words that you say. “We write when we can no longer remain silent.”–Michael Thomas.
Professor Harris: You have been one of the most impactful professors and teachers of my academic career. You have taught me the importance of treating everyone with kindness and following your path and passion. Through your expertise, I have learned how to take care in my work and how to always try to see the positive in any situation. I will continue to follow my heart and lead with passion and that is all thanks to your teachings.
Melanie: I am blessed to have you in my life. You are one of the most kindhearted incredible people I have ever met and I am so thankful that Monmouth has brought you into my path. You constantly remind me of my value. You are one of my best friends and remember that I will always scoot for you.
Jamilah: You have been one of the most inspirational people to have ever entered my life. Your positivity has kept me sane on the roughest nights in the office. I am honored to know you and blessed to call you a friend. I can’t wait to write and edit each other’s books. It has been amazing to watch you grow into the writer, editor, and reporter you are today and I know you will change the world.
Leann: Thank you for being an amazing roommate and one of my best friends throughout college. I am grateful to have you in my life and to have someone who always accepts me despite my sloth like tendencies. Thank you for always being there when I needed you the most and for supporting me in anything I do.
Kara: I am so glad our house on Hoey brought us together. You have been an amazing friend to me and I can’t wait to watch you grow at the University of Pennsylvania. Thank you for the countless memorable nights and for your genuine friendship. If you ever need anything I am always here so never hesitate to reach out.
Caitie: Thank you for being the devil to my angel, the batman to my robin, my partner in crime. You have always been there to pick me up when I’m down and take me out when I need it the most. You are the best date a girl could ask for and I can’t wait for all the shenanigans life if going to get us into.
West End Peeps: Thank you for showing me a good time. I know your door is always open and that means the world. Love you all.
Angela: We met at orientation and have been best friends ever since. From awkward freshman to seniors about to graduate you have been there for me every step of the way. I am grateful to have you in my life and so happy to be able to call you friend. I can’t wait to watch you soar and see you dominate anything you set your mind to. Thank you for always looking out for me and know that I will always be there for you.
Ally: Print it! I am so happy that The Outlook has brought us together. You have quickly become one of my closest friends. You are an incredible writer and I know you are destined for greatness in The Outlook and beyond. Thank you for always reminding me that “You can do anything but you can’t do everything.”
Brianna: I would have never been a member of The Outlook if it weren’t for you. You saw me as a little sophomore and believed in me more than I believed in myself. You have acted as my mentor and have guided me in almost every decision I have made during my time as Editor-in-Chief. You have always had my back and I can’t thank you enough for your endless encouragement, late Outlook nights, and expert guidance.
Kelly: You have been my voice of reason. I am so grateful that The Outlook brought you into my life. You have been such a dependable graduate assistant and such an amazing friend. Thank you for all of your guidance, your late Outlook nights, and for always making me laugh. Know that I truly look up to you. You have been such a positive influence on me and I can’t thank you enough for all the hard work and dedication you have given the paper.
Courtney: I am so excited to watch you grow and see all that you will do as Editor-in-Chief. I know you will take this paper to incredible places and will be successful in all that you do. I know the paper is in good hands with you.
The Communication Department: Thank you for always supporting The Outlook. This department has provided me with an amazing education and every professor has influenced me. Thank you for always putting your students first and for giving every student the opportunity to be successful.
President Dimenna: In the short time that I have known you I can honestly say you have had an impact on my life. Thank you for always putting students first, for supporting The Outlook, and for taking a sincere interest in my future.
The Outlook Editorial Staff: We have created a family here. I am honored to have worked with some of the best people on this campus. I know how rare it is to have a group of people genuinely love and support one another and I can’t express enough how grateful I am to have all of you in my life. Thank you for all the time and dedication you have given this paper. My goal was to lead with passion and love and I hope I have accomplished that. Know that I will always be there for each and every one of you.
