Usually I have to focus my column on something entertainment-related in order for it to ever make print, but I think it’s only fitting I dedicate this final column of my collegiate career to what the last five years of my life at Iowa State have brought me.

So, this will be the only time you will get the chance to read Mr. Sensitive actually being sensitive.

As I leave Ames to pursue a career in music and film, I have to wonder how I ever got involved in the entertainment business.

But that is what ISU is about to me. It’s not about making the dean’s list and it’s not about being the life of the party.

It’s about screwing up and getting your ass kicked in, and in the end, coming out a better man or woman with a vision of who you are and what you’re going to do with your life.

Since I’ve been here, I’ve drank my guts out, smoked away 20 or maybe 30 years of my life, cheated on my fianc‚ and even betrayed the closest of friends. I’ve cheated on tests, skipped many classes and driven home drunk more times than I can remember.

And I thank ISU for giving me the arena to do those things. Had I not come here, I never would have been aware of the damage I am capable of causing or had the opportunity to be such a heartless prick.

In essence, ISU has taught me more lessons about life than any subject I could have ever studied in a classroom.

That era of my life has thankfully come to pass.

My era of writing as a columnist for the Daily is over as of today, and I consider it an honor to have worked for the Daily for the last five years.

When you’ve been writing columns for as long as I have, it becomes a part of your life. When that part of your life is over, you can’t help but feel as though a part of you has died.

So I think it’s only fitting that I send out a few “I love yous” and “good-byes.”

I want everyone out there to know that Corey Moss is the most honest, hard working and loyal friend I have ever known. Although his columns suck, I love him like a brother and hope everyone has appreciated the heart and soul he has put into his love for music.

Peace out Corey. It’s been a pleasure.

I have to thank Tara Deering, editor-in-chief of the Iowa State Daily, for not firing me. I know it would have made her Daily life easier, but Tara allowed me to say whatever was on the tip of my tongue, and that was not an easy task for someone in her shoes. She truly understands freedom of expression on a level many people do not.

Tara, you da bomb, girl!

I have to give a shout out to every one of you who’ve read my columns, bought me a beer, come to a show of mine or ever extended me courtesy.

Finally, I would like to send love to my fianc‚, Laura, for dealing with the crazy shit I say week after week. She’s an angel who has an amazing way of understanding me.

I wish you all the kind of fortune I’ve found in her, as well as the buck-crazy sex. Love ya babe.

Finally, I’d like to thank The Scene for the constant hookups, Icehouse and my new brew Heineken, Marlboro Lights, the hate-mailers, the femi-nazis, The Lilith Fair, XXX porno, Barbara Mack, hardcore music, whores and Nebraska Cornhusker fans.

Last but not least, I’d like to thank the University Committee on Women for showing me what it truly means to be psychotic and ultimately wrong.

If I touched your life in any way, I hope it will always be a good memory.

So this is Chad, calling it a chapter and wishing you the most sincere and best wishes. I love you all!

Peace out forever.

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Chad Calek is a senior in journalism and mass communication from Persia.