When I first arrived on campus in the fall of 2022, I fully believed that school and band would take up all the time I had. I soon came to find out that I had way too much free time, especially when compared to the eight-plus hour days I had just been experiencing in high school. At first, that free time did not bother me too much, after all, who could complain about getting extra time to play video games and watch anime?
By the end of my first semester, that free time had become something of a dead weight. Sure it was there, but it did not mean anything since I was just rotting in my dorm. By the start of the spring semester I realized I needed a job.
That was when, during one of the honors seminars I attended, I heard an announcement that the newspaper was looking for writers, sports writers specifically. That sounded like the perfect job for me. So in late January of 2023 I walked through the door of Guillory Hall, not realizing that my time in college would come to be defined by those four walls and the people I met there.
I would like to start by thanking Adhamm, Andre, Julie, Sarah, Meg, and Ava for showing me the ropes and being role models for what it meant to hold an editing position, something I would come to hold when I was made the Sports Editor.
Alyus Dick, the absolute best friend I could have asked for in college. The number of times we got into trouble for interrupting meetings for being too loud talking about sports or some random, stupid thing will always be something I remember. You are the best photographer I know and I know you will become successful being one in the future (make sure you hook me up with free tickets for whatever team you work for.)
Kay Padilla and Ramudhi Kariyawasam, you two were the absolute best bosses I could have asked for. Talking politics or F1 was always a fun time with Kay, and I appreciated the genuine worry that Ramudhi had when I complained about some ailment that probably required a visit to the doctors.
Morgan Parker, the living embodiment of chaos. I truly believe that the office as a whole would be less bright if you were not around. The constant flow of out-of-the-park statements and wacky hygienics always got a laugh out of me. Though, I still wonder if you can catch a football properly.
Caitlyn Comeaux, you might be the smartest and most capable person I know. Becoming Editor-in-Chief in just your second year and navigating what you have had to this year has been nothing short of incredible. Sorry for the continuing insistence that I need a thousand words to talk about football.
To Reese, Landon, Ellie, Tavin, Jake, Ren, Vallen, Sarah, Joann, Andrew, Kayla, Sadie, Isabella, Nyria, Jarrett and all the others I have met, thank you for allowing me to rant to you all about sports and allowing me to listen and watch you all pour your hearts into what you do.
None of this would be possible without Mr. Tarver. Though we are a student-led organization, none of what we do would be possible without the solid foundation he provides. His care and dedication for his students is unlike any other faculty member at UL, he is one of a kind and I will always be grateful for him giving me the chance to write and the advice he gave.
One of the things that best defined my time working for the Vermilion and Student Publications as a whole was that I would always, always go well over the word limits, much to the chagrin of my editors. Once again I have broken that limit, but I do not care.
Keep Student Publication as a place for weirdos and those who need somewhere to express their thoughts and talents. It is the best part of UL, and I know it will continue to be so with you all.