May 7, 2014

By Chris Johannsen

I remember freshman move-in day like it was yesterday. I was standing in line at Drumlin Dining Hall, waiting to order my first college meal. Overwhelmed by this new atmosphere, I couldn’t help but look around at some of the new faces I’d be getting to know during the next four years.
No one looked familiar. Everyone was accompanied by their friends. They were smiling, laughing and looking forward to the upcoming school year.
I was the guy with his parents. I wasn’t smiling, wasn’t laughing, and I was nervous about the upcoming school year. I looked at both of my parents and said, “I don’t know about this.”
I was wrong. Four years later, I can honestly say I couldn’t be more reassured about attending UW-Whitewater.
From day one, I knew I wanted to major in journalism. I’ve often been told I’m a natural writer, and it’s one of my passions. Before college, one of the pieces of advice I had grown accustomed to hearing was to get involved, so I decided to take my talents to the Royal Purple.
Initially starting as a sports writer, I learned a lot about what it takes to write for publication. After one year of staff writing, I became a copy editor and have done that for the past two years.
What I’ve learned while working at the Royal Purple is minimal compared to the friendships I’ve made with my co-workers. One thing was always certain on Monday production nights: the Royal Purple office was overflowing with sarcasm and laughter.
It was a gratifying feeling to be connected to people who were equally as passionate about their craft as I was. Not only that, they knew how to have a great time. Thanks for providing me with many memories the past few years.
College has been everything I expected and more, and graduation will present a unique milestone for my family. When I walk across the stage on May 17, I will become the first Johannsen to graduate from a four-year college. I couldn’t be more proud of everything I’ve accomplished and the person I’ve become.
As I leave my college days in the rear view and begin my professional career, I’ll never forget my time spent at UW-Whitewater. I want to thank my family, friends and professors who have played a role in making these the best four years of my life so far. It’s been real.