By Rebecca Brown
I have a confession to make — I always wanted to work at The Jambar, but I never thought I would be able to. I hated News Writing (sorry, Mom) and I had the crazy idea that everyone who worked at The Jambar was a super serious journalist type. I wish I had realized sooner just how wrong I was — this one semester has been nowhere near enough. When I started this semester, I felt like I had already mentally checked out. I thought that The Jambar was going to be just another job, where I had to do my time until graduation. In actuality, it became a place I enjoyed showing up each week. It has really been a pleasure working here, and putting together a publication that I am proud to be a part of.
Dr. Anderson: Thanks for telling me to grow a pair. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for you. You’ve earned the title of Nick Fury tenfold.
Liz and Amber: There’s no one else I would have rather been a “newb” with. Thanks for laughing at me when I yelled at the computer. Liz, enjoy your last semester. Don’t do so many of the drugs. Amber, you’re going to be a great senior copy editor next year. I hope I’m still around to watch you take over the world, because I have no doubt that you will.
Dustin: You told me I had to include you here, and I’m slightly afraid of you, you strange, small man. Honestly though — you’ve been around from my very first interview, and it was really great seeing a friendly face. Stay strange, my friend.
Liam and Frank: Dad and Mom, though I’m loathe to admit it, all the times you both loitered in the copy corner, though occasionally annoying, were some of the best parts of my semester. Your antics made work a lot of fun. Liam, I hope you remember my name. Thanks for putting up with all of my nitpicking and for patronizing my Penguin Review particularities. I’ll never forget the great “rate-my-professor” incident of ‘14. I can’t wait to read your next short story. Frank, I hope one day you get written up. Spell Check wood knot actual lee c miss steaks lick the z. I know the copy editors are secretly your favorite.
Jordan: I’ve learned so much from you, from the joy of the AP Stylebook, to your patience and, most importantly, your unending sarcasm. Working with you has really been an honor. Thanks for convincing me of how great the em dash is. I’m sorry that there was never enough time to discuss SHIELD, Once Upon A Time or any of the other things that are way more interesting than school. I’m glad that you’re going to be the new me next year — again, congratulations on becoming co-editor of the Penguin Review. Don’t let them work you too hard. I know I’m leaving everything in good hands. Remember, I’m just a call or text away. I promise I’ll still be around — probably so much that it’ll be irritating. You can’t get rid of me that easily.
As the great bard once penned, “Farewell goes out sighing.” I’m so glad we had this time together. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.