After four years, Emporia will be missed

Well, this is it, my last opinion column for The Bulletin, which I am going to dedicate to reminiscing about my four years at Emporia State.

This might sound trite, but I actually am tearing up as I think of all the great memories I have of Emporia and the good times spent with the friends I made here. Working at the newspaper has been much more than just a part-time campus job for me. The friends I made here is what has made it so enjoyable; the invaluable experience I have received is just a plus.

I’m glad that my co-workers were a great influence in helping me adjust to college life and break me out of my shell. My first editor in chief can’t believe how much I have changed since I first met her at my interview to work at the paper.

Some of my favorite memories of The Bulletin include listening to the AT&T relay messages left on the phone forum, going to New York City my freshman year for the Associated Collegiate Press newspaper conference and attending my last KACP conference in Wichita, where I won first place in news writing and bonded with a co-worker.

As I lived in Emporia longer, I learned that the ESU is only a suitcase college if you make it out to be. One has to find the good entertainment outlets in order to endure the weekends, which started on Thursday nights for me.

Dollar margaritas on Thursday nights at Centinela’s often kicked off mine and my friends’ weekends. When I was underage, I still enjoyed the Mexican cuisine there and at Casa Ramos, especially their enchiladas and taco salad.

When I lived in the dorms, the Inner Bean campus coffee house satisfied my almost daily craving for coffee and was a great place to hang out with a dear former roommate of mine and other friends.

I am going to miss going to JavaCat 5 because of its comfortable, non-commercialized style and atmosphere. I attended several meetings there and had some great conversations over ivory mochas and blueberry scones.

What I love most about ESU and the town is how friendly and accepting everyone is, despite the fact that my job occasionally upsets students, faculty and administrators. I never had a particularly bad experience with a professor or class. I actually had several favorite professors who immensely helped me improve my writing.

I would like to conclude my final column by thanking all my friends for making these four years awesome! I love you all and will miss you! Good night and good luck.