FOUR YEARS ago I arrived at this University with no idea of what I was going to do. As I graduate now, I still have no clue what I am doing. But I was able to graduate Comm and pre-med, which gave me some options. I still have the lingering feeling that I wasn't able to accomplish all that I could at U.Va.
Even though I worked at The Cavalier Daily all four years, I never wrote an article. Not a single one. I've been one of those people behind the scenes who helped bring you the paper you hold now. Moving from production to information technology, I never got the glory of the byline, never got my picture in a column, never got on the front page. But I took solace in the fact that my name appeared every day in the staff box, and I knew my role. The only reason I ever stayed through it was the people; ask anyone who worked with me and they can tell you it definitely wasn't the work, because I didn't do any of it. I proudly leave the paper as one of the laziest associates ever, but my experience was enriching nonetheless.
I'd like to say a little something to the staff of The Cavalier Daily:
Rima: I've enjoyed working with you, and I hope my three hour dinner breaks didn't bother you too much.
Janelle: Every minute was fun, no matter how quirky you were.
Sonia: I really think you have an eye for design, so keep with it.
Bahar: When you're spending all that money on camera equipment, don't forget to save some to eat! It's been great learning from you.
Keith: It's been great, even though I've done nothing.
Katie: The summer of '98 was great, even though I don't think either of us knew how to do our job.
Aditi: Keep smiling! Clearly you keep the paper running.
Brian: It's good to know that someone who loves the paper so much is running it.
To everyone else I didn't include, it's been great, and don't forget to thank prod every once in awhile.
My roommates have made the college experience bearable. Finally breaking out of the on-Grounds housing, I managed to live on the wrong side of campus my fourth year. Although it was cool hanging around with the many tailgaters on game day, going to the bars were a challenge.
Vinh, thanks for being our chauffeur. Fef, we managed to survive without the WB even though we lobbied as hard as we could. Luckily, we had Blind Date to hold us over. I think we've almost reached our goal of being top-heavy. I know we'll miss living so close to the AFC. Muhammad B.D. Bhatty, the undisputed pound-for-pound strongest man in the house. Don't lose sight of the goal: Med school. Knoph and Dog: Hope you like Charlottesville. Bone: Don't worry, a spot will be ready for you to ride my coattails. Christian: I think we'll have fond memories of the pile-ons, Gusburger eat-off and nights out. Thanks for driving me to AC even though you crashed your car. I'll scour the Earth for the Black M3 with the white leather interior. C and Tim, before I forget, Jamaica was a blast. We'll have to go again. To all my roommates, no matter what, I'll never forget the good times. Big pimpin' baby.
Since graduation tends to be a family affair, I'd like to thank my family for all their love and guidance and more importantly, money.
To all my friends, it's been great. Don't forget to stay in touch. To make you feel important, I'll single out some.
Abby: Don't worry. Whatever decision you make will be right. Success will follow you wherever.
Dre: Don't forget to email! My only regret is we didn't get to hang out more.
Virginia: Have fun in San Fran. Don't forget to check out the "better" parts of L.A.
Ameet: Radiohead rules! Don't forget to check out the sights in between the long hours.
Jeremy: Have fun in NYC; I'll need a place to stay.
Fee: Don't let AC work you too hard. Don't forget to get down in the clubs.
Becky: Even though you never showed up, I looked forward to seeing your smiling face in class. Quoc, Vinesh, Dan, etc: Party up in here!
Carola: Relax.
Erin, Karen, Jaimie: Stay in touch. If I forgot you, I'm sorry but I'm not thinking clearly.
Well, I leave U.Va. a little more mature, a little more wiser. I've met friends for life, worked with great people, and had a lot of fun. Thanks, everyone, for the memories. You've all enriched my life.
(Paul Tran was an associate Production editor and an associate Information Technology editor.)
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