With graduation rapidly approaching, most seniors think about what lies ahead for them in the future. While I, too, am anxious to see what the future holds, I can’t help but reflect on my four years spent at Northern Kentucky University.

The term “finals” has taken on a very literal meaning now. I’m turning in the last homework I’ll ever have to do. I’m studying for my last final exams ever. I’m putting to bed my final edition of The Northerner as Editor in Chief.

I have mixed emotions when I take all of this into consideration. First comes an immense sigh of relief; the craziness and stress is temporarily coming to an end. Then there’s a brief moment of panic; my entire routine is about to drastically change. For four years I’ve lived in the comfort of being able to make my own schedule, and my biggest concern was making sure The Northerner was sent to the printer before deadline. After graduation comes “the real world.” I’ll be the small fish in the big pond all over again.

But the emotion I overwhelmingly feel is pure happiness. I am happy with the path NKU has led me down and the direction it is giving to my future. The friends I have met along the way have brought me nothing but joy. I am happy that The Northerner continues to grow and improve and that I was able to make any contribution to it. And I am happy that the education, experiences and relationships I have gained make me feel confident and prepared for anything the future holds.

Soon I’ll have to pack up my desk and leave the office that has become a second home and the people that have become my second family. I can only hope that they’ve learned as much from me as I have from them. I would wish for them less Student Government Association drama, but where’s the fun in that?

SGA has been only one source of news – both good and bad – this past semester. We’ve covered Gov. Ernie Fletcher’s many visits to campus, the announcement of a naming rights agreement for the Bank of Kentucky Center, the events of numerous campus organizations, the accomplishments of Norse athletes and the quest for Division I, to name a few. Our own coverage has even become news, but controversy only spawns discussion and communication.

So here’s my final thank you. Thanks to the campus for giving us plenty to discuss. Thanks to all my professors who have taught me how to report what needs to be discussed. And thanks to all of my friends who have made this entire journey worthwhile.