The Plainsman has become such a huge part of my life during the past eight consecutive semesters, and it's going to be hard to steer myself away from the office between classes or during a free moment.
I've spent the better part of my Monday through Wednesdays deciphering AP Style and deciding if the hairline is more or less than a pica away from the picture, and I've loved every long night.
I am choosing to leave The Plainsman while I am ahead. If I stick around much longer, Elli will be able to correct me on the best way to design her News front and Helen will have finally mastered the said rule. I've seen many people leave The Plainsman during my time, and I know this paper and its staffs to come will not suffer without one member.
I've witnessed this paper transform in my few years and there were amazing individuals who made that happen. These people have long since written their farewells and said their goodbyes. I've also seen one particular member say his final goodbye, and then make his way back. But all of these people have taught me that The Plainsman is more than a time-sucking job, it's where you make friends you'll have for a lifetime.
Best of all these friends are as crazy as you are, because they know what it's like to feel the rush of a breaking story and the annoyance of shady sources. They know the commitment of putting out special editions at 2 a.m. and distributing your work in the rain. They also know the absolute necessity of a candy drawer or drawers.
There are many things I've learned about journalism, design and ethics at The Plainsman, but somehow the things I will treasure most are completely unrelated to my career choice.
I know Abby can look more pregnant than Dr. Adams, Dutchmen have funny stories, the funniest guys in the group stick together and form a mega cool group of their own, Ms. Kim is the nicest person you could hope to become friends with, photographers will take pictures of Aubie for you if you're nice, elves work with red pens, pink hair is cool, foot tattoos are more popular than originally thought and you can find a best friend among a group of newcomers.
I will miss The Plainsman, the wonderful people who make it work, and I know I'll read it every week. I can't think of how to say goodbye, so I'll leave with a few Flaming Lips lyrics:
"And instead of saying all of your goodbyes -- let them know / You realize that life goes fast / It's hard to make the good things last."
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