It’s almost 11 on Tuesday night, and I’m just starting this. True, I’m a journalist, so it’s actually rather early to start writing, but even for me this goes beyond procrastination.
I suppose that I’ve avoided bidding this farewell for a simple reason: It really marks the end to my tenure at not only The Northerner and Northern Kentucky University, but a vital part of my life as well.
For longer than I care to remember, I’ve been a writer. In my senior year in high school, I stumbled upon the calling of journalism.
From there, I arrived at NKU, a trembling, green recruit entering a concrete jungle. I remember my first classes with my journalism professors ‘- the unique lectures of Brad and the bleeding victims of Mary’s red pen. Thank you to all of you, to whom I owe an incalculable debt. Mary, Brad, Penny, and others (yes, even you Gayle) have given to me so much from their wondrous supply of knowledge and wisdom on much beyond the simple lessons of the classroom. You have all guided me toward excellence.
Those who mentored me on my honors thesis, Dr. Goddard, Penny and Mary, deserve an even greater amount of gratitude for their help and leadership.
Many other professors have transformed me, challenged me and mentored me throughout my career as a student. To them I can only say that I will always treasure the lessons you imparted to me through both praise and criticism.
I owe the innumerable friends I’ve made at NKU such a debt as well, both at The Northerner and in the campus community. I have depended upon all of you throughout my years at school, and to grant all of you the kudos you richly deserve would require the entire edition at least, and I’ve less than 400 words.
Nevertheless, to those of you, past and present, who labored long into the night alongside myself to produce our newspaper, I can’t begin to say how much you’ve helped me, entertained me and improved me ‘- even during the (many) smoke breaks. Know that come next semester, at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, I will miss our crazy late nights together.
To all of you, professors, friends and ‘- most certainly ‘- my compatriots at The Northerner, I can only begin to say, ‘You rock.’
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