And So Another Chapter Closes Amanda Hoffer | Asst. Tech Manager
| Published 12/12/03
Graphic By: Jonelle C. Thackston
As the days of the semester wind down, I find myself thinking back to my
last graduation that was four and a half years ago. I can honestly say I
was a different person then. I could babble on and on by giving you a
blow by blow about how I've changed, but I've opted to share a couple of
the lessons I've learned and to give tons of love and shout outs to
those who mean the most to me.
Lesson one. No one can ever say, "It won't happen to me." I've
seen too much in my time here to believe that it can't happen to me. In
no particular order: my car was stolen, my friends have had things
stolen from their dorms, I found a random stranger in my bed after
leaving the door unlocked, and I know a couple of girls who were
assaulted. That's just the tip of the iceburg. I would love to say that
this type of stuff doesn't happen, but it happens. Watch yourselves out
there, kids. Radford may be a small town, but that doesn't make it
magically safe. Bad stuff can happen anywhere.
Lesson two. Friendships are far more than declaring a best friend
status. A friendship is far too important to rush. There are people I
wish I had kept in my life and others I wish I hadn't. Having friends is
important, but make sure before you invest your time and energy to a
friendship that you know the person. A bad friendship can be far more
painful and detrimental than the worse breakup.
Lesson three. Savor every moment, and take pictures. I don't have
pictures of some of the best moments I can remember. I really wish I
did. Years down the road all I will have is those memories, and I don't
have the best memory. Every silly moment in your life is a moment to
grab and hold tight. Nothing is as great as these carefree moments when
you don't have to answer to anyone. Treasure them always.
That concludes Amanda's sappy life lessons. We will now move on to the
appreciation portion of this farewell.
First, I'd like to thank my family, especially my sister. Few people
know everything about you and still care about you. I can honestly say
my family is a big part of my life, and I wouldn't be here now without
them. Lindsay, few people can say both their sister and best friend go
to school with them. I'm so lucky to have you as both and here at school
with me. I love you guys more than I can ever say and you'll ever
know.
Next to my Whim family, you guys have given me a confidence in myself
and a plethora of skills that will follow me throughout my life. Being
able to hone my skills and express myself freely is something I will
always have Whim to thank for.
To my brothers, Alpha Phi Omega is probably one of the things I'm most
thankful for in my life. You guys made me realize how much I have to
give to the world. Also you showed me how much of a difference not only
one person can make but how much a group of people with the same core
beliefs can shape the world and move mountains. Thank you for believing
in me enough to make me a part of this wonderful group. I will miss you
terribly.
Finally, to all of Radford: You've all made me who I am, whether you
know me personally or not. Every action influences the next, like
ripples in a pond created by a single drop of water. Nothing that has
happened on this campus has not touched me in some way. If you
know/like/hate me or have no earthly clue who I am, you've touched me in
some way and for that I would like to thank you all.
Goodbye, Radford. As much as I hate to admit it, I might actually miss
this place when I leave.
___
This is Amanda's final semester at Radford, "Screw you guys, I'm goin' home."
By clicking on "Submit," you assert that you are who you represent to be and your
comments abide by section 20 of Radford's Student Handbook (for RU students), and by the Virginia State and Federal laws including but not limited to libel, copyright law, and invasion of privacy. The comments posted on this site are not necessarily representative of the views of Radford University, its
administration, faculty, staff or all of its students. For more information, read our policy on feedback fora.
Responses: Refresh frame to view latest entries.
Comments:
DEMON Llama!!!!!
Comments:
yes...tis very much a llama....you'd have to go back to last season to fully understand
Name:G-big Year: SuperSr! Major: Eng. Comments:
1/2-n-1/2,
How touching. Personally, I think if you were to grab the birds and hike 'em to Kansas you'd get more out of your RU degree. Its rather special having you in the family! Luv the art. and the ABZ shout out. Good luck in whatever you do, just dont get caught!
Name: Special ED Comments:
YAY I peed in your pool
Name: Special ED Comments:
YAY I peed in your pool
Name: John Comments:
Good luck in all your future endeavors Amanda! Thanks for all your contributions to Whim!
