Dark hall leads to lifelong friends

Five years ago I was introduced to a student who would spend the next two days showing me around the college and introducing me to the journalism department at Plattsburgh State. During that visit I remember walking down a long, dark, cement-ridden hallway that, at the time, I hoped I would never have to walk down again. The end result of that walk would be the entrance to the Cardinal Points office.

Three years ago, on my first Monday as a sophomore, I ventured down that hallway again. I would knock on the door of the office and see that same journalism student, along with several other intimidating faces, look at me with confusion. I had successfully interrupted my soon-to-be editors in what I would later find out was an E-Board meeting.

Little did I know. Little did I know that hallway would be walked down more times than I can count. Little did I know I would spend nights in that office, laying out pages until 4, 5, 9 a.m. Little did I know those intimidating faces would one day know more about me than I care to mention.

Six semesters on this paper, five as an editor, and I can’t say I’m sad to say goodbye. Not yet, anyway. I’m not sad to say goodbye to discussions on how many picas will go on either side of a hairline. I’m not sad to say goodbye to the uneditable stories I would have to find a way to edit. And I’m not sad to say goodbye to that damn long, dark, cement-ridden hallway (it really didn’t get more pleasant with time).

I will, however, be sad to say goodbye to the people I discussed the picas with, edited the stories with and walked down that hallway with.

Colleen, thank you for taking me down that hallway. Who knows where I would be if it weren’t for you.

Hutch, thank you for never letting me get away with anything … even when you weren’t a damn editor anymore.

Michelle, thank you for “making me.” Some have beauty, some have brains and some have a sense of humor. How lucky I am to have a friend who has all three.

Nicholas, you pain in my ass, thank you for keeping me on my toes. I can’t wait to see how successful you become.

Megan, thank you for being someone I can strive to be. You are so strong, so talented and a kick-ass writer.

Kyler, thank you for that smile. I do not think there is a person on this planet who can make me laugh as hard and cheer me up as much as you can.

Katie, thank you for being yourself no matter what. You make my pessimistic, stubborn self remember to stay positive and open-minded. I hope great things for you.

Jen, thank you for putting up with all of my silly photo questions. You are an amazing photographer with a wonderful personality. I look forward to following your travel Web site!

The boys, you know who you are, thank you for making Cardinal Points bearable when I was at the end of my rope. I COULD NOT have gotten through this year without you. Jameson, your sarcasm will be the end of me, but I loved it. You have come such a long way, and I could not be more proud. Dimas, your sense of humor kept me going. I am truly waiting for the day I can brag that you are my friend. Bryan, I tried to think of something, but there truly are no words. I love you. Matt, you are one of a kind. Good luck next year, although you won’t need it.

Jessica, thank you for … everything. While you have taught me so much about what it takes to be a good writer, you have taught me so much more about what it takes to be a good friend. I can only hope to impact someone’s life as much as you have impacted mine. I will remember you always. See you in Europe.

To the staff of 2010, congratulations and remember: I. Don’t. Give. A. F*ck.