No
longer “students,” but so
much more
Jamie
Rowe
I
wish I had something witty or profound
to say, but the truth of the matter is
I can’t really believe the school
year is over.
Maybe it’s the lack of warm weather (normally I’m in shorts and
halter tops by now). Maybe it’s the delayed spring break.
Whatever the cause, I’m just not feeling the whole end of the semester,
the whole time-to-graduate deal.
I’d be happy continuing with my duties at the Daily Forty-Niner. Who
needs a real job? Who needs the real world? But, all good things must come
to an end, to be cliche.
I’ve laughed, cried, eaten and slept in the newsroom. I may not have
enjoyed every single moment of it, but I loved my time here, not only working
at the paper, but also living in the dorms (What’s up to all my fellow
Alamitos residents), going to classes, and in general just being a 49er.
There is no longer such a thing as “just a student.” We are students,
workers, significant others, family members and a million other roles throughout
our college careers. Take this opportunity to thank those around you, those
who supported you, those who were there for you, those who helped make this
time what it was.
Aside from my family (who I already thank all the time), I’d like to
thank some campus community members: Ray Lacoste of the comparative literature
department who was a professor who really inspired me to stick with college.
Genelle Belmas, a former CSULB journalism department professor, showed me many
of the reasons I truly love my profession.
And thanks to the many friends who enriched my time at CSULB.
Thanks Michelle for putting up with me for almost four years, Elysse and Lesley
for being wonderful girlfriends, Mary and Kelsey for hours of entertainment
and the best haircuts ever, and, finally, Brad T. for his constant support
and love (I couldn’t have grown as much as I did without you).
A final big thanks goes out to the Long Beach Union Weekly staff. You consistently
poured over each issue. I know it’s simply because you love us that you
devote so much of your time and your attention to our newspaper.
As a reminder to the Associated Students Inc.: You aren’t playing pretend.
This is real government. The decisions you make should affect students for
the better, not for your own agendas or for your resume. For an example of
how the job should be done, look at Sen.-at-Large Guide D’Onofrio and
Sen. Shelena McClinton, College of Liberal Arts. You begged students for the
jobs you now hold. Now serve your constituents and serve them well.
Finally, I’d like to commend the University Police for constantly trying
to hide information from us and, in general, being incredibly rude. This gives
us good training for the “real world” where we will undoubtedly
encounter people who will not only hate us, but will hide important information
from us.
For both ASI and UP, bet your bottom dollar, the future generations of the
Daily Forty-Niner staff will be keeping a close eye on you and keep you accountable.
Oh, and just as a reminder, read my opinion piece from the first summer issue
last year. Don’t be rude at graduation. This is a time of celebration
for everyone, not just for you and your family.
I’ll end my piece as Lacoste ends each of his classes, “Remember
to be kind scholars. It’s the last revolutionary act left.”
Jamie Rowe is a graduating senior journalism major and Editor in Chief
of the Daily Forty-Niner.
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