After a long time spent on the IV leader, this will be my first and last editorial.  Looking back on my experience at IV I can honestly say that I will never forget my years spent here. When I first started college here I was nervous and really unsure about myself.  I had no idea what I wanted to do or why I was even bothering going to college but thankfully that all changed for the better as the professors here have been nothing but helpful.  When I was picking out my classes I saw intro to mass media and I thought that the class sounded interesting so I decided to take it.  After taking that class I decided to make journalism/broadcasting my major and I finally had an idea of what I wanted to do with my life.  The journalism professor Lori Cinotte has been helpful in informing her students while at the same time pushing her students into advancing their careers.  It’s because of this that I was able to do an internship at a local radio station.  While having this internship I had a better idea of what field of journalism I wanted to get into while at the same time I still needed to overcome my fear of speaking on a format broadcasted to a wide area.
It’s because of this that I joined S.P.A.M.O and tried out for the spring play.  While being involved in theatre I met my girlfriend Jessie Winchel who has helped me out more than anyone while going to college while at the same time putting up with me and my constant flaws.  It was long after joining the spring production that some of my friends which included the last head Editor Matt Gerding that I auditioned for more theatre plays and musicals.  Sure enough theatre became a major influence in my school life as I tried out for the last two productions the school did.  While being involved in S.P.A.M.O I also realized how much of an appreciation for improv I had and also was part of long form improv taught by Howard Johnson who was a major and influential figure in the improv community.
While working for the newspaper I realized that I was one of few people that never received any hate mail and yet I became a little disappointed in myself for not having any.  It’s a weird thing to be sad about but I always seem to be happy knowing that I might have offended someone by having different opinions than theirs.  I also noticed that no matter what happens that whoever it may be at the time that the head Editor will always save the day when it comes to layout week.  I wish I could say more about my experience at IV but in reality it was a really common one.  I spent time with friends at school, met new people, went to work and worried about finals.  I can also say without a doubt that if I didn’t go to IVCC that I would be working at McDonald’s for the rest of my life and for that I am truly thankful.