Four and a half years later, and I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

It’s been an interesting, an adventurous and a stressful four and a half years, but it’s been all worthwhile. I have had my fun moments, sad moments and, of course, those moments that made me ask what I was thinking. Since there is more than one moment that stick out during my college career, it would be hard to choose just one, let alone remember every detail.

I don’t know what to say about the time I have had at Missouri Southern, but the word that comes to mind is experience. Having the experience of traveling abroad and the hands-on experience of working with an award-winning newspaper has broadened my skills and has opened my eyes to the world outside Missouri. Without that, where would I be today? I would not be working part-time for a local paper here in Joplin, and I certainly would not have dared setting foot on an airplane to travel across the Atlantic Ocean. To Southern, to quote Elizabethtown, “It was real, and it was great, and it was really great.” Thanks for the experience; I could not have been the person I am today without learning from the best.

It would not be possible, too, without the help of my family and friends. With your support and guidance, you have taught me to believe in myself, pursue my goals and, most importantly, not to give up.

To my family, you have dealt with having to take me to and from St. Charles for four and a half years. It’s been a fun road trip with family bonding. In a way, it has made us closer and a better family. I could not have done anything without your help. Thanks for your support while I was in France and for being there for me. Oh, and by the way, it’s about time the Cardinals won the World Series.

To my friends, what can I say? The years have been awesome. You have been there for me when I have been down and, although I am graduating, I promise to continue to be there for you. I am going to miss going out with you and having a blast.

To my dysfunctional family, The Chart, it’s been a rollercoaster ride. We’ve had our ups and our downs, but we manage to get through them as a family. The trips were great. Hey, who knew we would be in St. Louis when the Cardinals won? I am definitely going miss the late nights in the office, eating Backyard Burger and the bickering.

I have some words of wisdom; although I will no longer be with you soon, I know you can keep the legacy going, work together and win a Pacemaker. I know in my heart you have to guts to kick every other newspaper out of the water. Oh, and remember to win that softball game. It’s about time the staff won.

I have to especially thank T.R. Hanrahan who turned this newspaper around and made it kicking again. I appreciate everything you have done and everything I have learned. You have learned to put up with me over the course of the semester. You made the newspaper fun and not a pain. I cannot express the gratitude you have given and the countless Stargate quotes that have brightened my days. All I have to say is, “Make it spin. Spinning is so much cooler than not spinning. I’m the general, I want it to spin now.” It has been a pleasure working with you.

I would not have learned all there is to know about newspapers without the help of Rhonda Clark, The Chart’s former publications manager. My knowledge of Associated Press and Chart styles will stick with me forever. Thanks for pushing me to work hard and have an appreciation for the coolest newspaper around. Rhonda, I learned a lot from you, and I appreciate everything.

Finally, for everyone else I may have missed, thank you for everything. I have loved every minute of being part of the best school, meeting new people, trying new ventures and discovering what best suits me. From studying in France to being on the newspaper, it has been an experience, but with every beginning comes an end. I will soon close this book and open another, revealing another story. Words cannot express everything that has happened in my college career.

For now, “Screw you guys. I’m going home.”