The end is near

A year of your life is a long time. Being inFocus editor for the past school year has completely changed how I feel about my future in writing, and it’s also introduced me to some of the best people I will ever know.

I was most excited to work with Forum editor, Dan Alvarez. But after thinking he’d be my hot new boyfriend, he turned out to be my new gay best friend. I’ll never forget singing pop songs with Dan on the Hamburger Mary’s karaoke stage, nor will I forget our talks about our futures and how we both want to write novels and chase after writing.

News editor Kelsie McWilliams took me by surprise. As innocent as she seems, our fall retreat made me realize just how special she really is. You can have a heart-to-heart with her where she gives you some of the best advice, or you can let loose and eat Cheetos in risqué ways.

When I first met Kait McNamee, I didn’t know what to expect. She’s loud, she isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind, and her expressions remind me of a perverted middle school boy. But Kait’s free spirit and drive is what I love most about her—even when she does hand stands in those tiny jean shorts.

Katie Sammons and I were friends from the beginning, but I feel like I’m constantly learning something new about her.Whether we’re walking back to campus after an exciting night at Maloney’s, or we’re wasting time shopping at the Pavilions, Katie is someone that I’ll always look up to for her old soul and contagious laugh.

At first, Editor-in-chief Bryan Smith intimidated me the most. But after getting to know Bryan, I now know that he’s not only amazing at doing the Dougie, but he’s an incredibly genuine person. While taking Bryan home one night, a song came on the radio that reminded me of an ex. I started flipping out, and Bryan calmly turned the station, rubbed my back, and made me forget all about it.

I’m excited to see where the next year will take me, but the next staff I work with sure has a lot to live up to.