IT'S REAL easy in life to think only about the end goal without taking the time to relish the experience of getting there. Journalists especially tend to think only from one deadline to the next and of the end result of getting stories on the page. I've lived for almost four years now under those deadlines, and it's so hard to believe that my last deadline for this column will have passed by the time this is published. The problem with deadlines is that, when they're past, and the newspapers are all sitting in their racks, the real story is over.
When you tell people that you've spent 50 or 60 hours a week working in a basement without pay for the past two years, the first thing they ask you is, "Was it worth it?" There's a list of stock answers to this question everything from obtaining hands-on job experience, to the incredible role The Cavalier Daily plays in serving the community, to the free printing. But looking back over the past four years, I've realized that what's really made working at the CD a life changing experience for me is the people that I've been able to share it with. I've learned more from and with these people than I will ever learn in a classroom, and, through the lens of The Cavalier Daily, have been able to share in a college experience unlike any other with some of the finest, most dedicated individuals I've ever met.
First, to the 113th:
Brandon, your steadfast leadership got this paper through some difficult times. Your lighthearted humor and easygoing attitude made your job appear much easier than I now know it was. Thanks for leaving large shoes for me to try to fill.
Emily, it seems like only yesterday when I, a lowly first-year, came in to write every Thursday you edited the news page. Your friendship and unyielding passion for journalism and conservatism left indelible marks -- thanks for your inspiration.
Peter, I remember a conversation we had the day we were elected about everything The Cavalier Daily meant to us. You selflessly dedicated yourself to making sure everything behind the scenes -- from Macs to ads -- functioned properly so that others could share in that amazing experience.
Jeff, our debates in the office got us into trouble every now and then for delaying work on the lead editorial, but I wouldn't have traded the experience for anything. Thank you for the intellectual stimulation, and your friendship.
Shelly, Rachel and Kristen, you are some of the hardest, most focused workers I have ever had the privilege of working with. You made my job so much easier, and did it all with grace.
To MY board, the great 114th:
Chris, you must be insane. Seriously, I don't know how you do it. This past year you've worked harder for this paper than anyone I've ever seen. And you're doing it again! You have an incredible work ethic, a great talent, and a dedication that would inspire you to come down to the office even if you were dying and had three 20-page papers due the next day. You made my job, and the jobs of others working with you, so much easier through your efforts and your perseverance, and I'm confident that you'll take the paper incredible places next year. I'm proud to be able to pass the torch on to you.
Brian, you have been a huge inspiration to me and to so many others down in the basement. I have never met someone so passionate about the ideals that The Cavalier Daily represents, and whose mere presence so lifts the mood and spirits of those around him. I've also never met someone I could disagree with about so many things, and yet find so much common ground for a friendship. Because of your lead editorials, we leave the University a genuinely better place than when we found it. Well done.
Guillaume, I'm so glad you chose to join us on the Board this year. You take your work very seriously -- but never too seriously -- and add a unique perspective and voice to the paper that Iím definitely going to miss. Thanks for your friendship, and good luck next year!
Andrew, you're also insane. Balancing your service on the fire department every week with your UTS job, 60 hours a week at The Cavalier Daily, and an academic career at the E-School is simply an un-human task. You maintained your commitments, and always came up with creative solutions to problems without ever being asked. Thank you.
To Becky, Kara, Josh, Leah, my old news associates, the junior and senior boards of the 113th, 114th and 115th, and the rest of the staff I've had the honor of working with over the years: Thank you for teaching me what it means to be dedicated to something bigger than yourself -- for being under-appreciated and under-paid, and yet somewhere finding the inspiration and personal satisfaction to carry this paper forward from year to year. You've been my co-workers, my family and my friends. I'll miss all of you.
Sharon, thanks for being The Cavalier Daily's guardian angel and mom away from home. You've been an incredible ally, advisor, conscience, co-worker and friend for the past three years. I know that when I come back to visit, and nobody knows who the heck I am, I'll always have a friend down in the office there to greet me.
To the 316 crew: John, Brady, Joe, Dan, Pavlo, "Gorilla Face," Delaney, Demo, Kyle, Stewart, Jared, Ryan, Brent: I'm so lucky to have found such an amazing group of guys to enjoy college with. You've kept me on track spiritually, and made sure that I filled the little spare time I had away from the paper with fun and excitement. Thanks also to the members and audiences of the FCA Praise Band, the Rippers and DK-5.
To the Kempsville High School and old FBCN youth group crew, and my first-year roomie Paul, thank you for still being a refuge four years after we graduated. It's unusual to find a group of people who, even if you don't see them very often, you can pick right back up like nothing ever changed at all. Zach and Nick, you are two of the most solid guys I've ever met. Time and distance definitely try to come between us, but I know some friendships will never end.
To Adam: T. Rex Killa, roommate, cousin: You have helped me carve out my life at U.Va. more than anyone else. It's incredible that weíve been able to remain so close for our entire lives. You're one of those very, very few steadfast friends that I know I'll be able to count on forever, and I appreciate it more than you know.
Christie, I am so blessed to have you in my life. Your patience, love, and understanding add real meaning and purpose to everything I do. You've been an absolutely vital friend and companion for the past three years, and I know the future is going to be even more amazing. I love you!
And finally, and most importantly, to Mom, Dad, Leah, Reed, and my incredible grandparents: You alone are the reason I am where I am today. Your selfless sacrifices, ceaseless support, and unconditional love have made everything I've been able to accomplish possible. I love all of you.
Best of luck to the 115th: Don't be afraid to take risks and make the most of the short time you have at the newspaper, but, even more importantly, make sure you take the time to step back from the day-to-day pressure of deadlines to just enjoy the experiences you have together.
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