By Annabelle Chipps
It’s cliché, but this is very hard to write (and it’s cliché to note the cliché as well).
What do I say to the people who have made my college experience what it is, to the thing that inspired me to change my career path?
I have elected not to spend too long describing the beautiful complexities of my relationship with this newspaper. I am acutely aware that our sappy goodbyes are more for the staff than the general public.
So, I will write to you all individually with a public declaration of my praises. If I wrote to every staff member I’ve ever worked with over the years, this piece would take up the entire Opinion section. I plan only to address my current, crazy, wonderful coworkers.
Dr. Fleming,
You are my biggest cheerleader. I trust you to always give honest feedback, so it means so much when you tell me I’m doing well.
Thank you for all of the opportunities you have given me and for teaching me so, so much without ever having to take a college journalism class.
Hayden,
I think you are very good at leading. Overall, you’re a fantastic journalist. You write well, you fact-check, you have a good eye for stories. It’s impressive and I highly value your professional opinion and validation.
Thank you for everything. I’m glad I got to know you better this year.
Chloe,
YOU ARE SO TALENTED!!! Like, comm skills all-star (See: Gilly for example). You can write, edit, network and your graphics are gorgeous. On a personal note, I think you are hilarious and I wish I got closer with you earlier.
Please keep in touch and please never change.
Andrei,
Your humor and interests are like nothing I’ve seen before, and it’s awesome. You’re also very empathetic and all around a good guy.
I’m very happy to have known you and I am confident I will see you after college. When you become Ohio’s governor, please appoint me as your press secretary.
Audrey,
I know you switched to early childhood ed, but I really think you should reconsider journalism as an option. Your talent is very evident, and I would be shocked if you don’t win awards in your future.
Please understand that you are funny, intelligent, kind and fun to talk to. I hope The Rocket becomes a home for you like it did for me.
Maddie,
I always admired your ability to stay on top of things, and you have been so helpful because of it.
I can definitely see you working the camera at a big news station, or even on a movie set. I am so excited to see where you end up!
Aidan,
I hope we stay close. You really get me and that is wonderful to have. You have grown so much as a journalist and person, but are still yourself. You are also one of the nicest people I have ever met.
You are good at a lot more than you realize. Next year will be busy, but you’re going to do an amazing job. Take a breather sometimes.
Noelle,
Hi desk neighbor! You are always very positive, and your laughter is contagious. You have taken In the Quad to new heights.
You are an excellent sports writer, and it will be great to see you as editor next year.
Kayla,
My mini me.
I am so happy I met you. You are the sweetest friend and always make me laugh. I love working with you, but please know we will still be besties forever. Never hesitate to call me, even if it’s just to catch up! Think of me when you get a sweet treat, and I’ll send you pictures of stuffed animals.
I’m really going to miss how smart and creative you are. I’m going to miss you in general.
Gilly,
Thank you for being such an amazing friend. We really click, and I could spend time with you forever. You, like Chloe, are a comm all-star. If I were a graphic design company, I’d hire you both right now.
You were a perfect copy/web editor + social media liaison + designer + columnist. I’m pretty sure you can do anything.
Paige,
You are a lot of fun and very creative. Thank you for making class bearable and being silly and goofy with me.
Always take care of yourself, you deserve it. Text me about life and books.
Eddie,
You know you’re a great photographer, so I need not repeat myself. Us and Aidan have experienced so much together, and it’s really cool to see how far we’ve all come. The inside jokes go way back, and I hope we get the chance to make more.
You’re a smart kid.
Katie,
I’m so grateful for you. We always have fun together, and I care about you so much. I show people your photos sometimes and go, “Isn’t she good?” They always agree.
You have an amazing soul.
I saved the end to tell you all: I LOVE YOU!
I really, really do.
