Dec. 8, 2015

What a strange and crazy trip it’s been. From warding off student government representatives trying to bully us, to writing the newspaper’s horoscopes (yes, it was I who wrote those terrible/hilarious horoscopes), the things I’ve learned here at the Royal Purple, and at UW-Whitewater in general will stay with me for the rest of my life.

While there’s so many people I’d love to give shout outs to, I think the one at the top of the list is my former editor in chief, Andie Behling. When I first arrived at the office looking to join, she was the one who gave me a shot even though I knew nothing about publications at the time and didn’t exactly do well my first and second semester here. Since then I’ve learned so much about publication, myself and the world around me. Thank you, Andie, for giving me a chance.

As for the future, if there’s one thing I am certain of, it’s that I have no flippin’ clue what I am going to do after college. (Two things actually: the “Hired before graduation” gig on the university’s front page is a sure-fire way to depress one’s self). But I am okay with this. (The no flippin’ clue thing, not the depression thing).

One thing I have learned while attending UW-W is plans routinely go to sh*t, particularly when those plans are the best-laid plans you’ve ever crafted. But hey, it really is about the journey students take, not the destination. The things we learn here, inside and outside the classroom, will stay with us for life.

To sum up this motivational something something yadda yadda, I can safely say I am not the same man who came to UW-Whitewater back in January 2013, and I regret nothing.

In RP fashion, a few more shout outs:

Vesna: I remember when you were a staff writer writing for news and lifestyle. I am proud of how far you’ve gone since then, and I know you’ll keep succeeding.

Ashley: I will miss our banter in the office every Monday. Plan on keeping it up over Twitter.

Abrielle: I wish I had your friendly and energetic personality. I’ll miss you, Ashley and I chilling together by the Lifestyle computer Monday nights.

Amber: You’re far more talented than you give yourself credit for. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Jake: Your talent in writing is something I aspire to. Keep writing, sir, even after college.

Kim: As annoying as your confidence is, I am also supremely jealous of it. I wish you the very best in all things.

Dr. Carol Terracina-Hartman: Thank you for believing in me, especially when I didn’t believe in myself.

Emily “No budget”: One day, you’ll write a budget. I hope I am still alive when that happens.

Mary: We only got to get to know one another for a short time. I hope it’s not for the last time and we see each other again.

Alex: Don’t let life douse your ambitions and dreams. There’s no guarantee you’ll achieve all your dreams, but by no means should you give up trying.

To my fellow staff members at the Royal Purple, past and present, thank you. I’ve learned so much from each and every one of you. It is because of you I have grown and changed so much. I will miss you all, but I also hope we meet again.

To the staff of next spring, you can do it. Knowing who many of you are now, I am confident next semester will be great for you all. It may not be easy (it never is), but I know you guys have the skills and confidence to succeed, even if you don’t see it in yourselves yet.

Corny mushy stuff aside, here’s some other random things I’ve learned:

Pens are not safe in the RP office.

Babies have been made on that couch we have.

There are a lot of people out there who don’t know how a newspaper works, but still try to tell us what to do. More than I ever thought possible.

Getting a quote on the office quote board is akin to getting the Nobel Prize, only not really.

Some college-age people still don’t know how to write emails (or write in general). This is a thing.

Toodles Royal Purple, I will never forget you.