I wrote my first story for the Daily before my freshman classes even started five years ago. So as I’ve tried to re-evaluate the past five years of my college life to make sense of it all, I keep coming back to my career at the Daily.

I’ve experienced many things that can easily be related to a sports career.

I came into the Daily like most rookies coming on to a scene — thinking I was more clever and smart than those above me and trying to make an impact right away. It didn’t take long for a knowledgeable, well-respected veteran, my brother Corey, to take me under his wing and give me some much-needed direction.

I must say that I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today and my life wouldn’t be so positive and wonderful if it wasn’t for my amazing family. Like in any career, one needs outside support and that is what my family, and long-time roommate, Dusty, have given me. Thanks y’all.

But even with a sly veteran to look to for guidance, I still felt the need to learn many lessons on my own, including how to piss many people off and how make yourself look like the world’s biggest ass.

I can’t say that I stand by everything I’ve ever said in this paper. But I will always believe Nebraska fans and die-hard Dave Matthews Band fans need serious help.

As the ups and downs occurred, my career saw its share of haters and praisers, which I welcome both with open arms because love it or hate it, that means you read my work and I did my job.

My career got the best of me at times, taking time away from important things such as school and partying at normal hours. But I learned to get by on a few simple rules — the Daily comes before school and journalists like their alcohol no matter what time you start drinking.

I eventually switched positions mid-way through my career and had to deal with some behind-the-scenes politics that caused me to vow that I would not return as an editor. I eventually did make a Michael Jordan-esque comeback as editor and have enjoyed being a team player, writing for both arts and entertainment and sports.

I have been able to experience many incredible opportunities from interviewing and reviewing bands that I love to covering a basketball team I enjoy watching and a man I admire in Larry Eustachy.

Over the years I’ve worked with some of the best this newspaper has seen. I’ve also enjoyed watching the new crop of young talent come through, with my present assignment editor Jeff Raasch being one of the most impressive.

I’m way more out of shape in my veteran status than when I began, but I’ve learned to be more crafty. I have a better grasp on when to say things and when to keep my mouth shut. Though that doesn’t always work out, which became evident when I received a phone call from Dan McCarney on a Friday morning to learn that he was disappointed with some things I wrote about him.

So in the words of the recently retired John Stockton of the Utah Jazz, who like me was around way longer than he should have been, “I think it’s time to move on.”

Kyle Moss is a senior in journalism and mass communication from Urbandale. He is the sports editor of the Daily.