So what can I say. I devoted three-and-a-half years to the Daily and to you. It’s hard to believe I first took this job on a tip that it payed well for little work.

Well, I guess this is where I’m supposed to get mushy and say how much I love everyone. I’m not that good at being sentimental, so I’ll try to be as straight-forward as I can be.

I have to say I have enjoyed every minute I’ve worked in this office, even when the shit (oh my god, Moss, not a cuss word) was hitting the fan.

When I said goodbye to the fall students, I told them what the Daily had taught me in respect to journalism.

But what the Daily has taught me goes far beyond journalistic writing, grammar, etc.

I’ve learned anyone can shine if put in a similar situation. When I say the word “shine,” I don’t mean anyone can stand out. I mean anyone can illuminate their personality.

For the past two years I must have received over a thousand e-mails and letters.

Some good, some bad and some idiotic.

But it showed me that we all have a character that is worth latching onto in one way or another.

When it comes right down to it, I’m a loud-mouthed punk who used the Daily to force my opinions on others.

Why?

Because the Daily gave me an opportunity to let you into my head. I’ve always had a fear of not being heard, and the Daily made me realize that anyone can be heard if they choose the right channels.

That is the key to expression; it’s not enough to simply think thoughts to yourself.

If that’s all you do, then your thoughts only matter to you. The way I see it, every person’s ideas are worth the attention of the world.

Granted, that’s not the way the system is set up, but for a short time, in a small way, the Daily helped me beat this crappy realm we call society.

I thank, again, anyone who wrote me and told me how they felt. Whether you hated me or you cheered on my warped sense of humor, I valued all your ideas the same.

So go out and find a way to be heard, even if it means you may be rejected.

I truly believe that it is better to be slammed for voicing a belief than to never voice your feelings at all.

I guess it’s time for me to move on and say goodbye. And when I say goodbye, I mean goodbye in a sense that you will never understand.

I will miss every one of you that I’ve met, worked with, talked to, drank with and generally called my friends.

Each one of your personalities have made me who I am. I fed off you to create a character. I loved that bald, sunglass-wearing fool. I loved him to death. I do regret that he will be dead when you finish reading this.

But I guess everyone knows when they’ve reached a point where it’s time to check out. Maybe this is all babble, and maybe it only matters to me, but either way, that’s all I have to say.

I’ve talked enough, but I do hope to see all you again someday. Thank you for everything. I send love to you all.

Goodbye friends, I’ll miss you.

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