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Volume CXVIII, No. XXIII |
December 8, 2005 |
In farewell, senior encourages activism
As I write this article, the last of its kind, I cannot help but feel a little sad. In a little more than a week, I will leave CSB/SJU for good.
Though, of course, I'll be back to visit, I'll never again be a college kid.
And it's safe to say, reality has set in.
As a senior in high school, I couldn't wait to leave my hometown and venture off to the big new world of Minnesota.
I prayed for graduation day to come faster, for everything to speed up.
Now, four years later, I pray that I could stay in this safe, wonderful world of St. Joe and for everything to slow down a little.
Seven semesters just isn't enough — but I suppose it has to be.
It's only natural that I get a little sentimental in this last article. So I'd like to say thank you to a few special people.
To my friends, most of whom will still be here next semester, thank you for becoming my family away from home.
I could never have expected to find people as special as you.
I leave here comforted, knowing that no matter where I go, even if I don't see you for months, I can pick right back up where I left off with my favorite Bennies and Johnnies.
I will always remember the times we had and the fun we shared.
I'd also like to thank those professors who have been my guiding light these last few years.
To Kay Wolsborn, who deep inside always knew I'd turn out a Poli. Sci. major.
You were my very first professor here, in symposium, and you were there through the most amazing experience of my life — Washington, D.C.
Thank you for being just enough of a mom for me to know you're right, and enough of a friend to make me love you.
To Scott Johnson and Phil Kronebusch, thank you for making me sometimes hate you and always want to pull my hair out — because in the process you made me think harder than I have ever thought before, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
And last but not least, Claire Haeg — I cannot begin to thank you or explain how much you have influenced me.
It is because of you that I became the person I am today. I have learned so much from you both academically and personally.
You are truly spectacular, and I wish that every person on our campuses would have the opportunity to know you and learn from you in the way that I did.
You have made me a better writer, a better student, a better woman, a better citizen and a better person.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
As for everyone else, I must leave you with my final political sentiment in The Record.
The elections of 2006 and 2008 will be two of the most important of our time.
Vote!
It is time for our generation to start caring, whole-heartedly, about our country, our politics and our government.
We have the tools, we have the candidates, we have the motivation — all we need is the work ethic.
Knock on doors, start phone banks and volunteer for campaigns.
Whatever you do, whomever you support, do it to the best of your ability.
I thank CSB/SJU for inspiring me to always work to make a difference, no matter how small.
Bill Clinton once said, "There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America."
Believe it.
