After a very long collegiate career (five years isn’t too long... I guess) and four years on the Pacer staff, what else is there for me to say about anything else?

First and foremost, I want to stress to everyone that your college days at UTM are numbered.

Take the time to make new friends and talk to someone you don’t know. You can never have too many friends and some of those friendships made in college can become life-long friendships.

Become active in something, whether it is a common interest group or some sort of structured group.

You chose to come to UTM for some reason and you might as well get the best experience you can out of it ... yes, college is for academics, but there is so much more to UTM.

Take the time to go to athletic events, fine arts events or anything that is happening on campus.

As a former UTM cheerleader, I can tell you that it was sort of a disappointment trying to cheer and motivate the crowd when there wasn’t much of a crowd.

This is college, students come to college to learn. Have an open mind when talking to people. You came to college to face new challenges, meet new people and experience new things.

No matter what our differences, we are all still a part of the human race. Fight for injustice and against discrimination.

If we want things changed for the better for the future, then it is up to our generation to make the small steps and stand up for our rights and beliefs.

Well, that is probably enough of my ranting and free advice ... now on to my thank you’s.

I would first like to thank all of my friends who have graduated and are probably reading this on-line to see what I would say. You all have supported me through every step of my collegiate career. For that, I thank you and love you all.

Next, I would like to thank Tomi for all that she has done for me since my freshman year. Thank you for believing in me when I didn’t, thank you for listening to me vent, thank you for trusting in me and always taking the time to see if everything was alright in my life. I wish I could say more to show you my appreciation, but there isn’t enough room in the world for me to show you my appreciation.

Stephen and Samantha, good luck in the future. Hopefully, you’ll be able to leave UTM soon and begin a new chapter in your lives. Elizabeth, have a great time during the rest of your college years. Take as much experience as you can from the Pacer staff. I’m sorry we couldn’t have spent more time hanging out, but this final semester was a nightmare. I’ll miss you kiddo!

Dr. Hoyer, what can I say to you, but thank you? Thank you for believing in me and always pushing me to finish college. I needed that extra push or else I would probably still be here for another year.

Prof. Robinson, Prof. Collard, Prof. Norton ... I thank you all for teaching me and supporting me through the rough patches in the year. I could never have asked for a better group of professors than the ones at the Communications Dept.

Kevin, good luck in all you do. I know you will go far in life. Have fun in college ... but not too much fun, you do need to graduate sometime soon. I would also like to say I’m sorry and leave it at that.

Kenetra, have fun in your last year of college. Thank you for putting up with me during my last year here. Remember to find the motivation and determination to graduate. I know I lost it this year, but friends will always be there to support you and kick your butt if you need it.

Amy, I hope you have fun with your last semester and being on staff. It was fun and definitely an experience getting to know you better this past year.

The brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon (for those who still remember me), thanks for a great experience in greek life. Good luck to all the new brothers and thanks to all those who take the time to say hi to me when you see me on campus.

Good bye, UTM and Pacer staff (I hope... if for some reason I don’t leave)!