Leaving Never Hurt So Good

Jared Owens, staff writer 

Levelland and South Plains College have been like a second home to me for the past three years. But now, I am finally going to move on.

As most of you who read my columns know, I am an avid Texas Tech fan. So to me, it means a lot that I will finally, officially be a Red Raider. However, before I leave, there are some very influential people that have touched my life at SPC that I would like to thank.

First off, I need to thank my parents for putting up with a son who never took any summer classes and drug out his two-year college into three and a half gas-guzzling years. They have always stood beside me and complained, but they always paid my tuition without a second thought. Mom, Dad… I love you guys so much. Thank you.

I would like to say a special thanks to the man who changed my life and helped me realize my true potential and got me out of television, away from Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (just kidding Billy Alonzo and John Sparks)! But seriously, thank you Charlie Ehrenfeld. Your kindness and constant teaching knows no bounds. You have taught me so much about writing and life. You actually turned a sports fanatic who can hardly speak correctly, much less write, into a writer. I hope I make you very proud of my work one of these days. Charlie, you have truly been a wonderful mentor and friend to me, and for that I thank you. I will never forget you, and I will do my best to keep in touch. I love you, Charlie. By the way, sorry if I have caused you to lose any hair with all the hell I  have put you through.

Next, I could never forget Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. (Billy Alonzo and John Sparks) You guys have been a package deal since I’ve been at South Plains, and have been so awesome to me. I have so many memories with both of you I don’t know where to begin. I can say that I am going to miss Sparks taking the last few minutes before class starts to talk Tech football or basketball, and most the time I wasn’t even in that class. This has been an everyday thing for sometime. I know none of those seminar professors at Tech are going to take time out of their day to talk some football.

Billy, what am I going to do without my afternoon honey-roasted peanuts? Billy, you, like Charlie, have been a great teacher and friend to me. Your heart is as big as Texas, and the character you display is simply unreal. You are one of the best men I have ever met, and your kids and wife are truly blessed that you are in their life. We still need to  play some more racquetball… until I win. Billy, I owe you some lunch sometime before the end of the semester. Thanks for the $8. Sparks, I am also going to miss your silly jokes, but I will make it without them. I love you guys. You guys are the reason SPC is such a great place to attend school.

Lastly, I need to thank my newsroom buddies I’ve worked with during the past three semesters (both newspaper and television). Jacob Tucker, you exemplify the type of student we all wish we could be. You are so dedicated and devoted to your school work, yet by no means a huge nerd. You have always made me laugh, and I have truly enjoyed your company in the newsroom. You and Kevin be nice!

Although I have never known you well, Gio, your smile is a very comforting thing to walk into the newsroom and see. It lights up the world around you, and not many people can say “cheese” and do that. You obviously are a very special person.

Joe Gonzalez, my sports editor, you’re the man, Joe. I still hate the Cowboys, but I am always down to teach you the history of football and prove to you my franchise is superior to yours. Go Niners! Joe, you are always in a good mood and  just a genuinely good man. For that you have my respect, and I wish you good luck with your career.

I would like to also give thanks to Jackie Streety, for always being her crazy, eccentric self. I hope you’re a great mother. I would also like to give a huge thanks to my “girl”, not girlfriend people, Sasha! You are the coolest girl, and I am glad I have been some assistance to that shallow mind of yours! I’m kidding. I will always be your friend. Besides, you’re good eye-candy. Call me, and we can partake in some adult beverages.

There are so many of you to thank, and if I have left anyone out I am very sorry. But I would like to say thank you to everyone who sang “Happy Birthday” to me on the TIPA bus after Papadeux. That meant a lot, thanks to all of you. I got to know many of you, and you all are my acquaintances. To many, that may sound pompous and shallow, but I speak my mind and the term ‘friend’ gets tossed around way too much. However, I do respect each and every one of you, and I hope that all of you are successful in your future endeavors. You will be missed. Thank you everyone for touching my life at SPC.

Well, I’m half way there. I have an associate’s degree, and maybe by the time I’m 30 I will have my bachelor’s degree. Good-bye SPC, and I will not let the door hit me in the rear. Cheers to all!