Looking back, there is no place I would have rather been.

This is my last Good Times/Bad Times. I have had a hard time sitting down to write this because this column has become an incredibly important part of my life. This paper took a chance on me five semesters ago and I have been indebted to it ever since.

I have had so much fun doing it and it is hard for me to grasp the fact that along with my college career, my life at the Post is ending.

This is a fabulous paper, filled every week with words written by talented and dedicated writers, designed and created with heart and passion by some of the most admirable people I have ever met. I cannot put into words how much I am going to miss coming into the office and saying “Hey Post!” to my fellow students, and most importantly, my friends.

I grew up 10 blocks from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus and I never thought this university would ever have become so important to me. In fact, I never thought I would have ever ended up here. Looking back, there is no place I would have rather been. It has become a place I look forward to going to; a place that allowed me to feel as if I finally belonged somewhere. College agreed with me and it saddens me that this journey is so close to being over.

I am going to miss all of my English major friends — our laughs and talks outside and inside Curtin Hall were an integral part of my day. You all made class enjoyable and interesting. I want you all to know that I look forward to the day I see your names in print and will be able to proudly say I knew you back when.

My professors who challenged me and taught me things that reached far beyond the classroom, you have my gratitude and many, many thanks. Especially Susan Firer, Jim Chapson and Cam Tatham. You three especially taught me how to be an English major and your classes never made me doubt that I picked the right major.

My favorite place on campus, the Gasthaus. It wouldn’t have been college without it. There were far too many good times and well-needed afternoon cocktails there. Thank you for those and for always remembering that I like extra limes.

I have amazing people in my life and I am so incredibly lucky for that. My friends, thank you for listening, for being there, for all that you do. Friday afternoons are not Friday afternoons without you and the Nomad. To my spa friends, thank you for being so supportive and, of course, so fabulous.

Most importantly, my family. Your support, your kindness and your love are what got me here. There is no way I could have done this without you. I made a promise to my Grandpa Crawford that he would always be proud of me, and look: I’m graduating with honors.

Mom, thank you for reading me every week and being my No. 1 fan. Jackson, you are the best brother and it is my honor that you and Cameron are part of my life. Lisa, you have brought so much love and light to our family. Dad, thank you. Thank you for the long music discussions, for the pancakes, for how I know that even though I am too old for you to hold my hand, you would if I needed it.

And to you, reading this, I thank you. I thank you all.

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