“Come take a tour of Monmouth with me,” said my childhood best friend, Jessica Porter. I originally did not want to tour the University at all; it was less than an hour from home and I did not want to hear the comments of how I didn’t get a ‘real college experience’ because I go to school ‘too close to home.’ However, she persuaded me to tour the campus with her. After that, I was sold. Fast forward four years, and I could not have made a better decision. With the help of so many people, my college experience has far exceeded any expectation I could have imagined for myself. So, thank you:
My family: There’s no way imaginable to fully express how grateful I am to have your support and help over these past four years. Especially to you, mom, for doing absolutely anything you can to help me out along the way. Thank you endlessly for helping me set up a better future for myself.
My housemates: I’ll start with Cassie Stiansen (Sandy); I really don’t think I could have made it through college without you. I remember that we both received bids to AOII and I (very uncomfortably) walked up to you and said, “I think we live on the same hall in Elmwood. I’m Allison.” And ever since, we’ve been inseparable. No matter what, I know that I’ll have you by my side for a lifetime and I can’t imagine it any other way. Thank you for always being there for me and for making me laugh. I’m looking forward to seeing you every Tuesday this summer for Bar A, for random visits once we’re older, and even in my bridal party.
Lauren Palladino (Pally-D), We’ve lived together for the past three years, and I think we both know that it’s been nothing short of absolutely absurd. From Gossip Girl and Nelly’s white broccoli pie in Redwood, to our Larchwood trap house, to about 12,000 life-threatening experiences at Second Ave., you’ve managed to keep me afloat when I feel down. You also know the way to my heart is through Dunkin, Ben & Jerry’s, and our favorite “T” word. Thank you for being the best roommate a girl could ask for; I know you’ll always be there, just as I’ll always be there for you.
Christina Bropson (Brop), I remember Pally-D telling me that her friend from home was transferring to Monmouth, and that she might want to live with us the next year. I’m so glad that you did. Thank you endlessly for being someone I can talk to about absolutely anything – even the things I know you don’t want to hear about. Thank you for cooking me pancakes when it snows, for being the housemate that takes out the garbage most of the time (much love), for protecting Second Ave. from fake realtors, and a lot more.
My day-one MU fam: starting with Jessica Porter (JP), my OG Q. If it weren’t for you, I would never have even made it to Monmouth, so first, thank you for forcing me to go on that tour with you. I’m not only lucky enough to call you a best friend since we were six, but basically a sister. You’re a person that I know truly understands me and will never judge me, and I can beyond confidently say that you will always be my best friend. Thank you for being there for me when I thought I had (another) home invasion, for holding my ‘party inhaler’ when we went out, for taking me to get sushi when I’m sad (even if they never bring you the correct size order of rice), for laughing at my jokes, and too much more.
Alex O’Connor (AO), #TBT to that time when I Facebook direct messaged you before we came to Monmouth and asked if you wanted to “get to know each other” in hopes that you’d want to be my roommate. Terribly uncomfortable. But, through “Jessica,” we did meet each other, and now I feel like I’ve known you my entire life. Thank you for always being there whenever I wanted to talk, for experiencing the corner and lamp in Vegas, Michael Boone, Chris French, Granny’s Attic, Alexis Kelly and her mother, and a lot more of the absurd things we’ve experienced together.
Nick Corrado, it’s weird to think that I’ve only known you for four years, considering we’ve lived in the same town for most of our lives. You’re probably the fakest person I’ve ever met, but you know that you’re secretly one of the best and most genuine people around. Thank you for being there for me and keeping me sane when I feel crazy, for getting us kicked out of puppy stores because you don’t know how to handle yourself in public, for being the third member of TCM (shout out to Alexis Kelly), and for sharing my love for Porta Fridays.
The communication and political science departments: I’ve had so many classes that I’ve walked away and felt thankful for taking. Especially with dedicated faculty such as Dr. Eleanor Novek and Dr. Kevin Dooley, and Professors John Morano and Ryan Tetro, I have had a great experience at this University. It’s enthusiastic and devoted professionals like these who make a difference teaching material that they love and connect with which separates Monmouth from other schools.
And of course, The Outlook. I was nervous when I first started this editor position, but having this position has been one of the best parts of my MU career. I have learned so much through my experience here, and leave as a better writer and editor. I was fortunate enough to attend a journalism conference in San Francisco this year with The Outlook, and it was better than anything I could have imaged an organization could give me. Thank you, Outlook editors, mentors, advisors, and more, for helping me prepare for my future, for giving me a new group of friends, for so many laughs, and for making me feel as if I have a family on campus.
