Well, here it is: my first, last and only time writing for The Cavalier Daily. It's frightening considering in the three years I've given to the paper, I've designed boxes, put in layouts, rolled flats, never once have I written, until now. But I am an English major and writing is something you have to do, so here goes.
Being a part of a student publication is something I've done most of my life. I was a features editor for my middle school paper, a features reporter, in-depth editor and eventually one of two editor-in-chiefs for The Lance, the Robert E. Lee High School newspaper in Springfield, Va. While many were out living it up their senior year, I remember spending countless all-nighters staying up making sure the paper was perfect before sending it off to get printed. I'd lug those portable little Macintoshes in the custom-made black cases to and from school every day; on many occasions, suffering from back pain, I'd question why I was putting myself through all this. And although in the end the experience was worth it, never again did I think I would be repeating this pattern in college. Never.
I was going to have the time of my life in college. I was going to lead a well-rounded, balanced life in college. So I stayed away from the college paper ... for one whole semester. Yet I knew something was missing. I missed doing what I loved. So I made my way down there, to that crowded little basement with no windows, with pipes gracing the black ceilings and random droplets of mysterious Pav goo occasionally hitting the floor.
And for a while, not wanting to completely immerse my life into the paper, I kept a very professional distance with The Cavalier Daily. I joined as a production assistant, became a production associate -- still only spending at most eight hours a week down there. And then I was talked into being production editor, and reluctantly I accepted, having no clue what I was getting myself into. Even still, I managed the job and grew to love doing hands-on desktop publishing, experimenting with design and layouts, manipulating fonts and pictures. Even still, The Cavalier Daily was just an extra-curricular activity to me where I could pick up some extra skills, not a social club. I stopped by occasionally at dinners and parties, but I always, always kept my distance. I did not want to end up being sucked in as I did in high school.
I clearly remember the day, speeding back from visiting my cousin at James Madison University -- my car had just been towed that morning, I had only gotten two hours of sleep -- I had to get to Jefferson Hall by 8 a.m.
Apparently somewhere between that night and that morning I had decided to run for Operations Manager. Sixty-five hours a week, five days a week, Sunday-Thursday, for an entire year, I would be eating, sleeping, existing as one-fifth of the Managing Board of The Cavalier Daily. I must have inhaled too many gas fumes as I was loading fuel in my truck that morning.
Well, I must say it was one of the best split minute decisions I have ever made for two reasons: I've loved my job and I've loved the people I've worked with. No mistakes, no regrets, nothing. I was warned that this experience could change you as a person, and I was skeptical. But it's true. You learn patience, you learn tolerance, you learn how to juggle multiple emergencies without losing your cool, and you learn the value of being an effective friend and leader. And you also know that after being able to somehow manage managing the paper, a staff of 150, your classes, your friends, your family, your sanity, your health and yourself, you really can do anything out there. I now know I can, especially if it is something I love as much as this.
I wish I could sit down and individually thank every person out there who I've had to brush off, or cut short, or not make enough time for who have continued to support me in this job. With the University having no structured program where I could study design and desktop publishing, The Cavalier Daily was all I had to output my creativity in a field I hope to pursue as a career. Thank you all for allowing me to do what I enjoy.
Mickey. You were the one my first year who urged me to go join the school paper. Who knew in a couple of years I'd end up helping to run the stinking place? No, seriously though. Thank you for your timeless, never failing, unconditional support throughout not just this, but my entire college path. You've befriended me, made me laugh, challenged me, provoked me to be a bolder person, taught me how to communicate, listened to millions of my complaints and most of all ... just understood without me having to say much at all. Thank you, for every second of it. I love you for being an all-around amazing person. That little first year would not be who she is now with out you. As for what I owe you in return. Let's just say $800 wouldn't even put a dent into it.
Val. I've known you all my life. Well, we probably met sometime before my first birthday but of course we don't remember that. It's like I began life and somehow you've always been there. Amazingly, however, as different as we are, we just clicked. And for the most part, I've probably taken for granted having a built-in best friend always by my side. We did kindergarten together, elementary school, junior high, high school, side by side, yet college came and for the first time in our lives we went our separate ways. I must admit it, at first, it was hard not being able to share the University with your JMU life, but we've made out just fine. Always remember that no matter what, wherever you are, whatever you're going through, I will be right there, standing next to you. And I know you'll do the same for me. Thanks for everything. Here's to beginning the rest of our lives pretty soon.
Sahair. I've always, always admired your unconditional willingness to be open and kind to anybody out there. Who knew that our friendship in the sixth grade would play out in college again? You are an extremely loyal friend and a genuinely good person at heart. If there is ever a person to model oneself after on how to be a sweet and selfless person, it would be you. Thank you, hon, for all your support.
Parul, Elsa, Jessica. The Lodge gals. You all are bright, beautiful, extremely capable young women. I know you will be successful wherever life will take you. Thank you for being a big part of my college experience and for supporting me in my crazy endeavors at the paper.
Elizabeth, Alicia, Adri. You've seen me give my free time to this publication while living with me my first few years. What can I say, I got sucked in. Thank you for all the late night chats and the laughs. I wish you all the best of luck for the future.
D.J. I can clearly remember the two worst nights I've ever had in that basement and who was the first person who rushed over to help me out? You. Thank you for picking me up, offering me your shoulder and just listening and understanding whenever I vented. You're one of the reasons I got excited about continuing with the paper. Thank you for your many, many hugs and for just being a wonderful person.
To the brothers of the Lodge. I take comfort in knowing that there are men out there who are intelligent, sweet, sensitive and easy to love.
To the sisters of Sigma Kappa. You ladies are fun-loving, down-to-earth, open-minded and, of course, the most well-rounded women on Grounds. Best of luck to you all.
To all the smiling faces I've seen every day for the past three years at The Cavalier Daily, you all know who you are so I will not name you (because if I name one, I'll end up naming you all). Thank you for making me feel at home. I miss you all.
To the 111th Managing Board. Tom, Brian, Lindsay, John and Michael. You will take this paper places it has never been. Just remember to support and be good to each other all the while. Best of luck.
Sharon. There would be no Cavalier Daily without you. We may change every year but we always grow to love you and your comforting presence. Thank you.
To my Managing Board. I truly, truly love you all. Dan. Danny Boy. Your oral fixations, pens, spoons, rubber bands, scotch tape and especially your ability give your own twist to whatever slang we'd be using that week. Somehow you'd manage to turn those into oral fixations as well. And honestly I did not laugh when you caught on fire. I was too shocked to say anything. Mike used a menu; Emily used her bare hands; I was in such panic, I froze cuz honestly what would I do if I had lost you? You're the first person I would go to if something was troubling me about the paper. I admire your silly sense of humor, your sweet, sensitive side. You're a guy who isn't afraid to show his feelings. And that basement. We made that place what it is today, baby. Yeah, we're neat freaks, but I wouldn't have wanted to scrub those tables with 409 with anyone else. It's friggin' over, you little jabber. What are we gonna do now? (Kristi -- I love you honey. I wish you and Dan all the best in life. I'll be waiting for a wedding invitation, I better get one.)
Masha. They're all gonna mention the McDonalds bit, but me I was sorta leaning towards the Oreo cookie. You know the special kind with twice the filling. Yeah. You know what I mean. No seriously, we've had some really silly times together down there. Ode to the letter n. N for nice, n for no more. You are a brilliant person, extremely dedicated and an amazing writer. Thanks for keeping the MB sensible and real. No you will not end up at McDonalds, nor will your dowry be worth camels. If anything you will be an amazing and successful journalist with six children, a Hummer and a happy life. Don't ever forget us.
Emily. Well. Office mate. I've seen you scream, cry, curse, vent, laugh hysterically, completely lose it and question what the heck we were doing when it was 6 a.m. and we hadn't been home since 2 p.m. the day before. You were also one of the people I took comfort in knowing I would be sharing this experience with if I decided to be on the Managing Board. We've come a long way from doing that A&E box together. You know ... "it's not going to stop ... 'till we wise up." It has ended and we are a million times wiser. Thank you for your friendship. I'll see you in racquetball class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Mike. Michael Greenwald. Many times I've nagged you come look at the pages to be rolled in the back, or made fun of your chicken-leg jeans and your ass-white sneakers. I hope you've learned that I show my affection best by making fun of those I admire the most. You are an absolutely amazing individual. Your level of sacrifice for this paper is astounding. I know that if I was ever in your shoes, I would not have been able to do what you did, and for that I congratulate you. You are one of those people I will look up to and admire most of my life. Thank you for saving me from that party jam. Thank you for being the funniest guy in the world. Thank you for getting me to care about this place. My passion is nothing compared to your dedication. Know that in my eyes already you are larger than life and more legendary than The Rock ever will be. Thank you.
Well, guys. What a year. FDL sightings, starfishes, panty air fresheners, a Pacemaker, 11 VPAs, crazy final roll parties, double-stuff Oreos, sushi binges, the People's strudel, living the American Dream, the Backstreet Boys, it's friggin' Passover, South Park songs, jabroni ... Like Dan once said, Something just clicked and we all became really good friends. I feel very fortunate to be a part of that. Thank you all.
To my parents and my family. You all have supported me unconditionally throughout this entire endeavor. I've called miserable, complaining, in tears, frustrated and tired and you've always just listened patiently and put things back in perspective. Thank you. I will never forget this experience. I love you all. I'm incredibly lucky to have such a loving family always by my side.
Lastly, I would like to thank God for blessing me with an amazing college experience. It has been well-rounded, loads of fun, challenging and extremely rewarding. It has indeed been a perfect fit for me. Thank you. I am a very lucky person.
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