Friends, memories create unforgettable times

by Caroline Basile, editor-in-chief

Nothing really matters to me," – Queen - "Bohemian Rhapsody"

Goodbyes are not easy for some people. Others know exactly what they would want to say. I am not quite sure actually, so I guess I'm in the middle.

I do know that as I leave South Plains College after five semesters (sorry mom, I needed another one), I realize just how much this place has become a part of my identity and how much I will miss it. A person's identity can change as he or she grows and as new events and milestones occur in life. College is definitely a milestone to add to that list.

My parents were hell bent that I attended college. It was a goal to go, no matter the costs. So, I chose SPC, saved my money and began life as a college student. As a home-schooled student, I really did not know what to anticipate in a college atmosphere, but I fell in love with the idea of going, and I haven't looked back since.

To my parents and family, a HUGE thanks for being with me the past two and half years. Your constant support and love have  really helped me get through these years of college, and I know it will continue when I pick this all up again in January at the University of Texas at Arlington.

An extra special thank you to my younger sister, roommate, and classmate at SPC, Theresa.

Theresa, you have been nothing but supportive of me since I started college, and I will be more than happy to return in May to walk with you at graduation. We have been through so much together in the past year, but I'm happy that I got to see you flourish at college. I am extremely proud of you, Sis. I am really, really, REALLY going to miss this next semester with you, but I think you are going to be just fine. You are a great student and an amazing sister.

Also, a big thank you to the many, many friends I found while at SPC, especially to Wes Dunkerson and Jenn Heath.

Wes, you have been nothing but kind to me in the two years we have known each other. I am going to miss you and all the random things we would do, including playing "Cowboys and Indians" at 2 a.m. at Wal-Mart and watching movies. You have a lot going for you, take care of yourself; I'll see you at TIPA! 

Jenn, I cannot say I miss you enough. Working with you during the past year was incredible. You're a great photographer, and I hope everything works out for the best for you (I know it will).

To my roommates, Taryn Polk and Ashley Grumbles, thank you for putting up with my loud music, burning food and coming in at odd hours.

Taryn, you’re the most quiet education major I know. But you have your moments when you can surprise us by speaking up about something (usually something involving NASCAR or Texas Tech University). You’re a smart girl, and you’ll do great at Texas Tech (and remember, “go Longhorns!”)

Ash, I’m going to miss Googling random things with you to kill time and just hanging out. You and Taryn are going to do great things in life, and I’m going to miss you both so much.

When I started college in fall 2006, I really had no idea what I had wanted to do. I selected English as my major, because it was something that interested me. But I wasn't sure if I had wanted to pursue that. As a brand-new, nervous freshman, I attended orientation as most freshmen did, trying to figure out what classes to enroll in and becoming acquainted with other students and professors. While running around trying to figure out what to do, I met John Sparks, who then introduced me to Charlie Ehrenfeld, who I would get to know really well.

Charlie looked over my schedule and talked me into joining the staff of the Plainsman Press. To this day, it has probably been the best decision that I ever made. I remember my first day of class when I nervously sat with the other members of the staff, some of which became my closest friends.  After the first week of paper nights and  almost two months of classes, I decided to change my major from English to Print Journalism. It seemed like a natural fit, and it has been nothing but amazing ever since.

Charlie, I cannot thank you enough for everything I have learned from you, from the countless hours of working hard on paper nights and singing Queen at the top of our lungs with the other editors, to courses such as news photography and writing, where I learned some of the most amazing things about journalism and what I could do. You know so much about journalism, and you are just a natural teacher. I learn something new from you every day. You have so much patience and faith in your students, including me, and I appreciate it to no end. I cannot imagine a life without being involved in journalism, and you helped me realize what I wanted to do with my life. I am really going to miss you. 

Working on the Plainsman Press has been one of those experiences that stays with you forever. I've gotten the chance to do so many interesting things because I was involved with the staff, and I have met some really cool people.  As stressful as things can get, I’ve enjoyed every moment, and I am so glad that I could be a part of something this cool. 

As I leave SPC, I'm also leaving some of my nearest and dearest classmates and fellow editors.

To Britni Palomino and Melissa Rinehart, you guys are one heck of a team. I am going to miss you both so much, and maybe a little of Britni's short temper. Nah, I'll miss that too. I think you are both going to do a fine job next semester and further on. You are both brilliant photographers with such talent. I hope everything in life works out for you both! I'll miss our little adventures, such as driving all the way to Roswell, N.M., to cover Sarah Palin, and those three days Britni, Charlie and I spent with the U.S. Border Patrol.

To Andy Garvin, Daniel Clayton, John Stewart, Shelbi Wallace, Norma Rodriquez, and Beka Rutledge, keep up the good work! You guys have been nothing but amazing this semester and have worked so hard. You are all great writers and editors. I'll miss you all.

To Brant Thurmond, you are something special. Being your friend is an honor. You’re truly a one-of-a-kind person who follows his heart. Even though you weren’t on the staff this semester, I appreciated all the time you took to help us. I remember sitting behind the (now non-existent) wall waiting for the publications class to start and watching you learn how to use a Mac.  I wish you the best with your future endeavors, and I hope everything works out for you.

To my favorite pain-in-the-rear, Jason Hartline, you are an excellent writer and public relations student. I don’t know how you keep up with all the things you do, but you do. I’m going to miss you

To the rest of the staff: It has been a pleasure working with you. This is one of the best staffs I've been a part of, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to work with you.

Lastly, to all those who left before me, especially Jon Seaborn, Hilary McNamara, Laura Cain (LC! I miss you singing that Outkast song when I would walk in the room), Laura Norris, Brittany Bradford, Monica Rose, Ray Buffington, Jacob Tucker, Amelia Gonzales (remember my "oh-so innocent" days?), Courtney Ortega, Courtney Bullard, and Heather Daniel, thank you for everything. Working with all of you has been an amazing experience that I will never forget.