Good Riddance

Marissa

Wow. I can’t believe that I am typing my final product for The Jambar.

This is more bittersweet than I imagined it would be when I started here three years ago. I suppose I thought this moment would be so far away that I didn’t even think on it.

But now the time is here, and I can truly say with all of my heart that I appreciate and cherish the memories I’ve made here.

To my past editors Josh, Lamar and Doug, thank you for shaping me as a journalist. Coming into this job, I knew little about journalism and your patience and guidance taught me how to apply all the skills I’ve learned.

Tom Pittman, thank you for showing me the stepping stones into this major. If it wasn’t for you being proud of an article I wrote in news reporting, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be here today. I’ll never be able to thank you enough.

Mary Beth, you’ve been the best role model a young female journalist could have asked for. I’ve gotten lost a lot in this crazy world of journalism, but you’ve always been there to guide me back to the trail. Thank you for encouraging me to really go for my dreams and not settle for less than what I want.

Adam, thanks for your constant assurance and encouragement. In a world full of people telling me I don’t know what I’m talking about, you’ve always been there to tell me my knowledge of music is great.

Marc Seamon, thank you for the constant support. I never had you for class, but you’ve always encouraged me and complimented my work.

Tim and Alyssa, thank you for putting up with me! Tim, I loved having you in Shakespeare this semester. Seeing a side of each other outside of journalism was fun, and I’m so happy I took that class. Alyssa, thank you for giving me creative freedom in my project. I had fun with it and made valuable connections that will benefit my future.

Mary, thank you for always taking care of us! I’m going to miss coming into the office every day and seeing your smiling face. Keep Joe in line for me when I’m gone.

Joe…I have no idea what to say, buddy. We started this crazy journey as reporters together and somehow we developed a strange brother-sister relationship. You’re so much smarter than what you give yourself credit for. I have no doubt in my mind that you’re going to land your dream job one day. Thanks for always being there for me when I’ve needed a friend.

Even though you make fun of me all the time, I’m going to miss seeing you everyday. Jack Up The Rev will always have at least one fan. Love you, buddy!

Cassy, who would have thought you and I would become as close as we are. I know you’re nervous to run this place next year. I don’t think any amount of preparation could honestly prepare you for what is in store, but just know you’ll be OK. You are going to make mistakes, but you have to learn to be OK with that.

For the times when things seem out of control, just remember the words you once told me in a time of need: “Your cat is the best thing in your life. You don’t need no other companion.” Love you, biffs!

Alyssa! I cannot wait to hang out with you this summer and listen to boy bands! You’ve been my right-hand girl this semester, got me through senior project and listened to music with me no matter how busy we are. All I can say is baby, you light up my world like no body else. Haha, I love you bunches and there will be many more random dance parties in our future!

Oh! And Pretty Little Liars won’t be the same without you. We’re going to have to watch it together a few times this summer!

Jordan, if it wasn’t for you, I’d more than likely be a one-trick writer. Thanks for pushing me outside my comfort zone as a news writer and not giving up on me. You’ve taken care and encouraged me a lot this year, and your words of wisdom have helped me a lot. As much as our music tastes differ, I hope we get to watch at least one set at warped tour together! I’ll think of you every time I hear August Burns Red.

Chris, we’ve come a long way from being the weird Harry Potter girl and guy wearing the Nintendo jacket in news reporting all those years ago. Actually, I guess not too much has changed. Thanks for reminding me that I don’t totally suck when I’ve needed it and letting me take risks this year. I’ve always looked up to your ability to find a beautiful story in the strangest of places. I’m proud of you.

Kacy, the office hasn’t been the same without someone to do “The Carlton” with! Thanks for sticking with me through New York and Chicago. Those are honestly some of my best memories from college, and there is no one else in the world I’d rather journey to Brooklyn with. Even if the subway almost killed me! I look up to your motivation so much, and I can’t wait to see you on air as an anchor real soon!

Taylor, words cannot express how proud I am of you. Watching you grow as a reporter has been a pleasure, and I can’t think of anyone better to have as my protege. Take this section and run with it. Be yourself and put your own spin on your section. Arts and entertainment is the best part of the paper and allows for the most creativity. You’re going to be great! I’m just a phone call away if you ever need anything.

Emmalee, when are we going to invest in a farm of alpacas and cats? I think that would be the best for our futures! Haha, really though, thank you for being patient with me always. Especially in my early days of The Jambar, you’ve always been willing to explain the AP stylebook to me. You’re such a sweetheart and have always been around to look at cats pictures with me. You’re going to the rule the world with Grumpy Cat at your side one day, and I can’t wait to see it!

Steve, thanks for taking care of me during New York. I’ll always be a fan of your writing style and think you’re going to do great things with your skills. One day, you’ll own sunglasses that won’t break, and we’ll go back to the Mean Fiddler, and I can’t wait!

Jenna, I’m going to miss your positive energy! I can never be in a bad mood when I’m around you, and you’ve always been there to give me the best hugs ever. Never ever let anyone dull your sparkle!

Rachel Lundberg, you were my sidekick in Chicago and my dance partner downtown. You will be great at whatever path you decide to take in life. Getting lost in Chicago with you was such a good time. Thanks for helping me find the best cupcakes ever! Just remember. When in doubt, dance it out. Love you girlie!

Rachael Kerr, thanks for always making my blogs and makeup even more awesome than they already were! Thanks for always being there for me to fangirl to, even if you didn’t always know what I was talking about! I’m going to miss you! Take care of Women in Communications for Rachel and me!

Josh, I will call you Josh because that’s your name! But really, you’re a cool kid to talk to, and thanks for being my fellow Harry Potter nerd. Even if you’re a Slytherin. Don’t eff up the paper!

To Justin and Frank, I’m proud of you both for the passion and dedication you’ve both grown for journalism. Next year is going to be crazy for you both, and there will be a lot of stressful times. You guys are going to make mistakes, but that’s OK. Just remember to take time to learn and grow from it. You guys will be great!

Cory, good luck next year! Keep the guys in line for me and continue to be amazing!

Keeley, you’re such a sweetheart, and I’m going to miss seeing you! Thanks for making me look good and thanks for the cupcakes! Never change for anyone!

Paris, Kevin and Cassondra, thanks for making me look good! I’ve always envied y’alls talent, and I know you guys are going to be great!

Anthony, I will be calling you every day to talk about Big Time Rush, and you will like it!

If there was anyone who I forgot, I’m terribly sorry. I’ll give you a hug later.

This Jamily means the world to me, and passing the torch isn’t easy. I love you all dearly.

Thank you to all of our readers for giving us a reason to tell the stories of this campus.

To anyone reading this, never stop listening to music. Never be ashamed of what makes you happy. Never let anyone tell you the way you think or feel is wrong. Always dance as if no one is watching.

It’s time to sink or swim guys. … Let’s start swimming.

Oh! And to whoever put me on YSU crushes saying you want to “dive into my mosh pit.” Cute.

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