I can’t believe it’s over. Technician has meant so much to me and will continue to for the rest of my life. I’ve had many coworkers come and go, some who would laugh at my previous statement. But those who get it, get it.
Witherspoon Student Center, in all its blinding LEDs and haunted elevator glory, has unironically been a great place of comfort for me over the past three years.
In some of my most difficult moments, Witherspoon was there. Whether I was part of the photo staff, serving as photo editor or occasionally contributing as a writer at Technician, I always had somewhere to go — a place that grounded me during some of the hardest times I’ve faced so far.
I had work, and that felt, at most times, deeply rewarding. Not to toot my own horn, but I’m damn good at it, too.
My preteen self would be absolutely giddy over the opportunities I’ve had: from photographing Dreamville 2024 and seeing SZA live, to capturing former Vice President Kamala Harris. Even something as simple as dressing up my coworkers for Halloween — my favorite holiday — and photographing each of them reminded me how much joy I find in this work. These are experiences I’ll carry with me forever.
Now for the long list of sappy thank yous:
Rimolt, thank you for reminding me not to take myself too seriously. It has been a pleasure getting to know you over the past two years. I know God has great things in store for you.
E-sports, thank you for the Joker impressions. Seriously. So unexpectedly hilarious.
Kate, you’re a badass. Thank you for reminding me that I am one too.
Justin, please never griddy again. In all seriousness, thank you for taking an interest in my writing. I bet you didn’t know photographers were literate.
Skye, your kind spirit lifted me up so many nights. Thank you for that. And for Rumpel, 105’s mascot. I can’t wait to see your leadership thrive in Vol. 106.
Rocky, I have truly enjoyed our philosophical conversations. Remember your worth and your power. The world is yours.
Sarah, thank you for bearing witness and participating in the absurdity of our round table. Thank you for your iPad Instagram Reels, and just for being a good friend.
Colby, the best coach ever. Thank you for being unapologetically yourself, and reminding us all that we possess immense amounts of strength and potential. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
Aidan, thank you for making that three-pointer during the last second of our intramural basketball game. I have not felt that much excitement since I was a child. Seriously, y’all, I ran out onto the court like a freak.
Connor, thank you for being the source of many laughs during print nights. The sports section wouldn’t have been the same without you. Now go get yourself a Chipotle burrito.
Matthew, your dedication to news writing and journalism has not gone unnoticed. You continue to impress me. Thank you for everything you bring — to life and to Tech.
Olivia, you are nothing but a delight. Working with you has been so endearing. I hope your senior year is filled with much good fortune. You deserve it.
Lucy, thank you for being a ray of sunshine. I have loved working with you on countless last-minute covers, your artistry and hard work does not go unnoticed. I’m sincerely grateful for the experiences we’ve had together.
Nicole, I’m so glad Charlie brought you in, even though you didn’t become a photographer. Your maturity, poise and little-boy humor have truly been a gift. I’m genuinely excited to see your leadership shine and to witness the positive impact you’ll have on the paper next year.
Jakob, thank you for always letting me use your adapter and being a listening ear to the most outlandish drama ever. I’m looking forward to seeing what you accomplish next year. Hang in there.
To the visual staff, our community has meant so much to me, as I hope it has meant as much to you. Be kind, stay driven and do cool shit. Remember the job is what you make it.
Ally, you are the most delusional person I’ve ever met and I love you so much for it. The best thing to come out of my time at Technician is our friendship. You’ve been a light, even when we’re both in darkness. I promise, for the hundredth time, I will not forget about you when I graduate. You are my best friend, I need you too. Let’s go get some Golden Dragon.
To Technician, thank you for letting me shine. You offered me solace. A place, physical and spiritual, that I could turn to. A creative outlet that provided me with the greatest community of people I could’ve asked for during my college experience. My only regret is that I didn’t start sooner. I love y’all.
