I WORE an old scarf around Grounds the other day and no one seemed to care -- this was when I realized that my life is no longer the same.
My once and former "scandal scarf" received its name a few years ago on a late night in the basement of Newcomb Hall in the midst of what no longer seems like such an earth-shattering news break. This striped, multi-colored garment came to signify scandals of all sorts and could be worn by reporters, and other sketchy individuals, whenever necessary. In fact, the scarf became so synonymous with scandal that I was no longer able to casually wear it around the office without a staffer approaching me to ask what had gone awry.
I could take days to recount all of the funny anecdotes and lessons I learned writing and editing articles over the past three and a half years, but as I removed the scandal scarf from my desk drawer for the last time, I came to a realization. It's not The Cavalier Daily's coverage of scandals that makes it great, but it is the newspaper's coverage of the mundane, the personal and the day-to-day -- the Student Council meetings, the professor profiles and the club sports round up -- that sets it apart.
University students head to class every day and pick up the paper because they know that not only will it be there, but it will include something valuable to read. For the past 116 years, The Cavalier Daily has provided the University's first -- and often only -- draft of history. As a former University politico once told me: "If the Cav Daily doesn't cover something, it virtually didn't happen," which is a pretty awesome responsibility, indeed.
I am proud to say that my scarf and I contributed in some small way to this tradition and would like to thank the people who helped make all those hours of lost sunlight and sleep worthwhile.
Thank you first to those who came before -- Abby, for helping me write my first news story and for making me want to come back, and Brian, my "BB," who is always happy to listen and to scare the living daylights out of first years with the "God phone."
To the boys of "the big four" -- thanks, Chris for being a great boss and a better friend. You always managed to come up with just the right headline and exciting gossip to make the time fly. Nick, what can I say? As the bad cop to my good cop, we made a pretty great co-editor team -- thank you for never quitting and for keeping me on my toes. Finally, Josh -- the king of "candy for everyone!" -- if you had a dollar for every time you bailed me out as News editor, you would be able to retire as a much richer CFO.
Managing editors never receive the credit they deserve, and Kara, you were one of the best. Thank you catching the mistakes I missed, but, more importantly, for being my dinner buddy.
I could hardly have asked for a better AME twin and fellow Pennsylvania girl than Laura; much love as always to the AP Style Book.
I like to think I discovered Pat (the baby!) on a car ride to Baltimore, and now he has ascended to the rank of editor-in-chief. Best of luck in the big office, Pat, and never forget those drunk Republicans.
To Greg, you're an excellent cartoonist and a lousy miniature golfer. Thanks for offering to let me mess with the Jumble and loving me more than I deserve.
It would also be hard to forget my news associates, the wickedly fabulous 114th JB and Professor Fishback, the Cav Daily's unofficial advisor and favorite lunch companion.
Outside the basement, much thanks to my U.Va. roommates over the years, Allison, Catherine, Abby, Sarah and (sort-of) Dan, who gave me rides and listened when I got home late.
For my girls from home, Kate, Col, KK, Jenny and Jess, thank you for friend publications, car parties and knowing me better than I know myself.
Finally, I have to thank the unabashed founders of my fan club -- Mom, Dad, Peter, Fan and Grandpa -- the people who truly read all of my articles with interest and know just how to subtly push me in all the right directions.
And when I head off into one of those unknown directions come May, I will gladly take the scandal scarf along for the ride
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