Another column? Not really. #27 had the parting words. This one is what I like to consider my album notes, my chance to pay respects to all those who are part of my life and who impacted what you read.
Truth be told, I didn't want to be a columnist. I really didn't read past the Blazing Sea Nuggets strip during my first two years in college. I applied because a former sports editor said they needed someone to write on greek life. I took the position so I wouldn't have to sell my soul and social life to the Chronicle or quit the paper altogether. Two years later, it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. This is for the ones who have inspired, challenged, taught, cared and affected. Thank you to:
The people who read the column, hated it, loved it and made sure to let me know what they thought.
The Alspaugh kids, the second floor girls, the world's best RA, the tea parties, the eclectic mix of international students, Russian Focus programmers, engineers and arts and crafts kids who were neighbors then and remain friends now.
My favorite fraternity SAE, specifically: McHugh, Lake, Wirth, Calvin, Owen and the only superhuman duo without their own comic strip and cartoon, Chip and Brocky. Thanks for endless fun in section, all the Morning Mixers, pink panty, Jen Wlach comedy hour, adding "brutal" to my vocabulary, Lei Party, your continued friendship and stepping up when I needed you. You have proven to be anything but typical frat boys.
Diana, the best thing to come out of New Jersey and into my life. For 305 House P, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation quotes, fleeing Southgate, Mariah Carey Christmas dance party, Spring Break in Miami and a friendship I treasure more than words can say.
Duke Basketball, and the godfather himself, Krzyzewski, for the 2001 season, Shane Battier (who apparently never got that e-mail), vintage Cameron Craziness, 54 seconds and 10 points against Maryland, Kenny for the games I got to see from behind the men's bench, bonfires and instilling in me a love of college basketball.
Judith Ruderman, Ken Rogerson and Susan Tifft--my mentors, my friends. You have been a constant source of support and for that I am eternally grateful. Your wisdom, teaching and guidance have impacted my work, my education, my abilities and helped mold the person I am today. Most students are lucky to have one inspiring figure in their education. I have been gifted with three.
The Chronicle, for giving me a smorgasbord of journalistic opportunities. From University to Health & Science and now editorials, thanks for giving me the space to see what I could do. To the staffers who have come and gone, for the fun times in 301 Flowers (when I was actually there), and lastly Garinger, Card and especially Cross for putting up with all the requests for new headshots.
Tubes, Shawn, Amisha and the study abroad kids for teaching me how to let go and be un-Jen. For Bondi, Passion Pop, Liquor Land, plop-plop, Glebe, Scruffy Murphy's, the Shelbourne (on Sussex, Taylor), brownies and all the amazing travels.
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The five KA seniors who have taught me to appreciate the South, bow ties, boat shoes and men wearing pastels, despite the fact that only two of you are actually from the South. To the quiet, sober night that led to Wheat Thin beirut, the grilling of a thesis and debauchery too incriminating for print.
Thanks for keeping senior year interesting, for the nights at Fogarty's and dance partners who can keep up and even teach me a thing or two.
The Linden House, for being my second home. Thanks for the first installment of Blender Party, platonic bed buddies, magnets on my face, the women's high-score in the basketball game, and the hot tub. To Ted, T and Manny for being the steadfast guy friends that many girls don't believe exist. You push my buttons and frustrate me to no end--I may not always know why, but I love you all.
My sorority sisters for four years of fun and wonderful memories. Thanks for putting up with the Lip Sync/Rush Round 3 Nazi and Scary Marshal. For all the mixers, formals and functions too numerous to count, for knowing to go to the center of the dance floor as soon as Like a Prayer is played, for your support, encouragement and help throughout the years. For embodying everything good that is overlooked about sisterhood. To the family I found within the group, I will miss our special little clan and hold dear all the dinners spent bonding over margs at Torero's. To my pledge class, then, now and always, the best damn one.
The girls of building 8 and Erwin apartment 21 (a.k.a. Heids, Linds, Kiya, Cori, Rutledge and ML), the crew of friends that didn't come together till junior year and in two years have come to mean so much to me. For making every day and night fun so long as we're together, Tabooze, the quote book, the butterfly, group e-mail love when we're apart, the talks, the advice, Spring Break in Key West, getting me through the worst times and celebrating the best ones. They say to surround your life with good people. I've managed to surround mine with the best.
Colleen, my roommate and very best friend. You deserve nothing but happiness in endless amounts. Thanks for a friendship I couldn't do without, knowing how to make me smile, the tiny gestures that mean so much, for keeping me balanced, or at least trying to. For all the adventures I'm forgetting, all your beautiful qualities and everything I don't have room to mention, thank you.
My parents, for never questioning me when I discarded my college plans to apply early to a school they'd never seen. For your lifelong love, support and encouragement. To my family for helping me become the best person I can be and never letting me forget that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. To my mom and dad, siblings and grandparents, I love you all very much.
I came here one person and leave someone new. I went to class, skipped class and slept in class... a lot. I ate what I wanted, I didn't go to the gym and made no apologies for it. I played into the stereotypes, and was everything but the stereotype. I was affected and affected others. I learned more outside the classroom than I did within. I've changed. I've grown. And I am better for everything that's taken place.
Jen Wlach is a Trinity senior.