My dad gave me two pieces of advice before I left for college. First, always check to see if a book has been made into a movie before removing the shrink-wrap from a textbook. And second, don't study too hard -- there are plenty of other things you could be doing with your time.
Unfortunately for me the first piece of advice was difficult to follow. For some reason Hollywood producers have yet to see the blockbuster potential of books like Hobbes' "Leviathan." But the second piece of advice -- now that was something I could work with.
While others trudged to Clemons at two in the morning, I opted for bowling on the Rotunda, adventures to the Corner and working for The Cavalier Daily. But it was my work with the newspaper that made me realize my dad had been right. I learned more in the basement of Newcomb Hall than I ever would have learned buried in the stacks of Alderman.
I learned how to roll with the punches and always come out on top. I learned the value of teamwork and the sting of having to be the "bad guy." I learned I could find friends that make fun of me almost as much as my family does. And I learned that laughter really is the best medicine at 4 a.m.
But more importantly, I learned that doing something you love is not half as great without being surrounded by amazing people and incredible friends. So with that in mind, the least I can say is thank you:
To my mom and dad, for sitting through endless gymnastics meets, always going to bat for me, and giving me advice on everything under the sun.
To my "older" brother Eric, for always reminding me to laugh at myself and not take myself so seriously. Whether it is joking about the "Madison" or watching me panic in front of D.C. commuters, you always help bring me back to earth.
To Bill Fishback, for the lunches, advice, snide remarks and hilarious stories.
To Sharon, for always caring and always being there to talk to. I may not be around everyday now, but you have not gotten rid of me yet.
To the girls of Kent Terrace, Amber Cindy, Cristina, Ellen and Meredith, for being great roommates and great friends. I'm back for the semester and the party pants will be on every night.
To the rest of the Emmet group, thanks to Dave for being the friendly neighborhood proofreader, and Randall for always saying hello. Thanks to Matt for the rides home, and to Jarrod for the politico talks. And to both of you, stop freakin' patronizing me.
To Catherine Dunn, who's eye for detail makes her a great writer and editor. To Daniel Stern, for always being in control of any situation and making me smile. To Laura Sahramaa, for your brilliance and ability to keep your co-editor in check. To Jess Garrison for amazing me with your talents, and to Chip Knighton, for being an excellent writer and absolutely loving sports.
To Christie Herner, for your sweet disposition and fantastic pages and to Megan Milks, for your persistence and perfection. To Sam Bresnahan, for stepping up and doing a wonderful job. To Kadie Bye, for being a great friend and excellent writer.
To Jon Evans, for your hard work and dedication despite endless hours of A-school work. To Lisa Florkowski, for working through adversity with dignity and poise. To Liz Maurer, for your sassy backroom demeanor, and to Leah Nylen, for dedication and putting up with backroom antics.
To Deirdre Murphy, for being an incredible editor and, more importantly, an incredible friend. You worked through a lot this year, and I couldn't be more proud of how you handled yourself. Even though I am more than a few steps away, I hope we can continue our gossip sessions.
To Abby Curran -- the esteemed co-founder of the Abby and Emily Drinking Society -- these last few years would not have been as great without your friendship. Whether it was gossip sessions at Baja Bean or stressful meetings in the conference room, you were always by my side and were a constant comfort. I look forward to a semester full of laughs, bar outings and more stories.
To John McArdle, thanks for the laughs and for always listening. And thanks for sticking with me when we got lost in Compton that one time. I couldn't (and wouldn't want to) have done any of my jobs at the paper with out you. I will always remember our trip to L.A. to cover the convention and our times in the basement. And in the off chance that I ever become famous one day, all that dirt you have on me is off the record!
To Andrew Barros, for his creativity and ability to work on about an hour of sleep. You will do an incredible job this year. And if you're ever in a time crunch and need someone to do page two quickly, you know where to find me.
To Chris Wilson, for his drive and ability. I'm proud to have you follow in the grand tradition of managing editors. You will do wonders with the paper. And maybe if you are lucky, you will gain entrance into a certain society.
To Guillaume de Torquat, for being all smiles and making me laugh. I can't wait to see the work you do this year, and always remember to watch your back!
To Brian Cook, who is the Jerry Seinfeld to my Elaine. It seems our parallel lives are continuing -- but this time in a good way. I couldn't be happier that one of my best friends is about to have the time of his life. If you ever need anything I will have petit fours, happy drinks and screwdrivers in margarita glasses ready and waiting on the steps of the Rotunda.
And finally to my MB boys,
To Justin Bernick, for being one of the most down to earth people I have ever met. It seems like just yesterday we were plotting in Sharon's office, and luckily it all worked out allowing me to have both a great co-worker and a great friend. Good luck this year, and I hope you will be fighting for the fine conservative viewpoint.
To Brandon Almond, for making me laugh, making me simmer down on more than one occasion and being a great friend and leader. Two years ago when we traveled to Austin to cover the election, I never imagined that I would end up essentially living with you for a year -- and learning way too much about your habits. It was a great ride, and one I will always cherish.
To Peter Jackson. One year ago we started out on an adventure. Now six supplements, countless papers and one messy office later, I have found a friend that I can always count on and always come to. You were the mellow counterpart to my occasional hotheadedness. You helped me try to think outside the box, and you never ceased to amaze me with your vision for this paper. We've shared an office, shared some fish (R.I.P. Libel and Slander), and shared a laugh. If you ever need me, you know what to call.
And with that I have reached my line count limit and the end of my CD career. Some may argue that through this column I am promoting class skipping, work shirking, and general laziness. However, I disagree. I am simply urging people to broaden their horizons and look at the big picture. And those that still don't understand can cry me a roper.
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