May 7, 2014

By Amanda Ong

As my time at the Royal Purple comes to a close, I look back at the three years at UW-Whitewater that I have spent studying, working, making new friends, networking, exploring, crying, and laughing (you get the idea).

Wow! Has time flown by!

Though production nights are a pain in the butt, they are also the nights that I’ve enjoyed and will miss the most; Music blasting, everyone jamming to the same song while working our lives away to bring the best issue to campus weekly. I will just say the time spent taking pictures, editing, and stressing out was worth every second of it. I have learned so much at the Royal Purple, both as an individual as well as a photographer.

I guess it’s only appropriate to make a thank you list now (my last chance to do something cliché like this), so here it is:

Mom and Dad: Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me to help achieve my dream. This wouldn’t have been possible without your time, support and unconditional love. I am so fortunate to have such wonderful and loving family as I do. Thank you and I love you.

Abby: We have too many good times to count, so where do I even start? I hate to admit, but the paper did bring us together. I’ve made a lifelong friendship that I will never forget and will treasure forever. It’s sad that I won’t be here next year, but I know you’re going to do a great job at everything you do! I have so much faith in you! You would have to carry on the tradition of playing hip hop and R&B music for me while working. No one can do it better than you because you know my music taste the best! Thank you for crying, laughing, dancing, singing and basically being weird with me. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you next year. But our friendship definitely doesn’t end here (let’s just say it won’t ever end) and I cannot wait for the many years to come. You’ll do great, Abs! Love you so much!

Samantha: Oh Samantha, how and where do I even start to describe the special and sarcastic bond that we have. If someone were to ask me where I’ve learned my sassiness from, I would have to credit you for that. Thank you for being the sassy and bossy (a little weird too, but hey, aren’t we all) individual as you are because that is how work is supposed to get done. But a little less sass would be nice sometimes!

Andie: You are such an inspiration to me. Getting to know you is probably one of the things that I am thankful for being a part of the Royal Purple. It’s empowering to meet someone like you who is ambitious, funny, talented, independent, smart and risk-taking. I’m excited to see where the future takes us because I know we would both be great at whatever we pursue. Thank you for teaching me so much.

Andrea: Oh girl, besides Abs (calm down Kev, I’ll get to you in a bit), you are one of the closest friends I’ve made at the Royal Purple. I am so grateful to know someone like you who is just so blunt and wild! Through all the talks we have had, I’ve gained so much respect for you. I would never forget what we’ve talked about after our WNA trip. Thank you for being such a good friend. Cheers to the many years to come!

Kevin: You are just the biggest goon I’ve ever met in my life, but that’s what make you so special. I enjoyed most of the moments we’ve spent together in the office. You always have the power to make me laugh. And yes, I am still working on my eye rolling skills. Thank you for being such a good friend. Cheers to the many years to come!

Lucas: Thank you for being such a fun time during production nights. I’m going to miss the high fives you give every time you leave for home. Good luck with everything!

Jacqueline: It is so nice to have met you this semester. I know you are stressing out, but everything will fall into place as time goes by, I promise. I know you’ll do a great job at everything you do! Good luck!

Michael and Alex: Both of you have so much potential as a journalist. I am so happy to have met you two and to have gotten to know you guys more as editors. Alex is going to be great as the new news editor and Michael as the new editor in chief. Good luck with everything, and thank you for being so cooperative with me during my time at the Royal Purple.

Carol: By far the best adviser ever! I love how sarcastic and supportive you are. Thank you for being such a great adviser and role model to each and every one of us. I know you have always been very supportive of my photographs and I am so thankful for that. And you’re right, I am not JUST the photo editor of the Royal Purple. I am THE photo editor of the Royal Purple. Thank you so much for believing in me.

Benjamin: Smile! Everything will be all right. You’re always so cranky! Kidding! I definitely won’t forget the times where we have disagreements on music because we obviously have different taste. You’ve been a contribution to the fun times during production nights, so thank you for that. Good luck with everything!

Josh: I didn’t get the chance to get to know you much but I know you’ll do great as the managing editor next year. Good luck with everything!

Christopher: Taking Chris’ class and sitting next to you seemed not too long ago, but here we are both graduating and going our separate ways. I know our friendship is more than just the times at the Royal Purple. Like everyone else, cheers to the many years to come! Good luck with everything! I know you’ll do great at whatever you decided to do.

Rumasa: I know we didn’t get the chance to get to know each other much but I know your potential as a journalist is great. Good luck with everything!

Alyssa: Like Rumasa, I know we didn’t get the chance to get to know each other much, but thank you for contributing to doing graphics. They always look fabulous!