What a semester it has been the things I have learned, the people I have met, and the confidence I have gained. It’s hard to believe it is my final week in Newslink Indiana, I would have never thought the time would have gone so quickly. I also never thought I would have 11 close friends after I went through this experience. Sure I knew almost everyone in the program before joining but spending 45 hours plus a week with most of these people has really allowed me to know them no longer as colleges but as friends.
This semester has been filled with some many found memories of late Thursday nights, and just the overwhelming amount of laughter that we all shared. Now I think I will talk to each person individually.
To Eric Peat-
Before NLI I knew Eric through church and a radio show we had together sophomore year. After watching Eric win a few scholarships this year, and the dedication he has to school he is going to be successful in anything he does in life. It was fun convincing Lori that we should cover sectional basketball the day before the game, and I really glad we spent some late nights hanging out together in the news room, that is a spring break I will never forget. I glad we have one year left together before we go our separate ways. Eric I hope you have a great summer, and I hope you get a lot out of your internship.
P.S. I am sorry I did not get to hear you rap, I heard you had mad flo.
To Megan Reust-
Megan and I were pretty close friends before NLI because of the Greek bond that we share and occasionally anchoring on NewsWatch together, Megan I glad after all these years that we still have a good friendship. I am so glad that we got to do NLI together and I hope that we can do big things together in RTNDA next year.
To Morgan Parker-
You’re my Fratenity brother a bond that brings us closer than the rest, but honestly its this semester that will stand out in my mind. I can’t believe you are graduating, I remember all of the random jokes, and the good laughs that we shared this semester. Like when you poked Jessica in the arm, after she told you to do something about me poking her, and you simply responded he is my brother. Morgan I wish you luck in your internship this summer and I honestly think you represent Sigma Chi very well. I am so proud of you, and I wish you the best in life.
To Jessica Miller-
Wow we had some fun times, we got pared up for two weeks during this semester and I feel like I final got rid of the “the kid who came late to News 202” persona that you had about me. Jessica I am sad that I only have one semester left with you, but honestly I am so glad Camden, Peat and I all talked you into doing NLI. Jessica I know I referred to you as a car in the past, and honestly if you keep working hard soon enough you will be a Porshia. I hope you have a great time in the Armpit of Indiana, and I hope your internship works out well.
To Fei Fei Xu-
Now I still cannot say your name right after all the semester, and I am sorry for that. I watched you struggle through the language barrier. But what I learned from you and Jiegway is that no one can put down your spirit you woman just keep working hard and I know both of you will be successful. It was so nice to share a meal together this past weekend, I really finally got a taste for Chinese culture. Thanks for all of the laughs and all of the nicknames. I am glad you called me Moto Moto.
To Jiegway-
No car, no problem. It’s great to be around someone that works as hard as you and never complains. I would like to thank you for cooking dinner the other night it was amazing. I hope we can somehow stay in touch and one day that our lives will cross again when I come to visit you two in China. I hope you enjoy your remaining time in America, but I know both of you are ready to be reunited with your families after two years.
To BVW- or Bryant
Bryant working with you only for a few days was amazing, you are one of the best photographers I have ever worked with, and you’re a pretty good reporter too. I hope you end up getting a job after the people at your internship see how talented you are this summer. I had this talk with Jessica who is NLI MVP and my pick was you. You can do it all and when Tim is not there you even fill in as director, thanks for the laughs and all of the hard work it has truly been a pleasure working with you this semester.
To PMcG aka Phil McGairk
Phil was another member of my News 202 class, and Phil is graduating this year. But Phil will not be gone to long because he is coming back for grad school. Phil its amazing to see how much you accomplished this semester. I know we have shared some of the same frustrations, but man you made a lot of packages, and now every time you go out you make it look so easy. I think you have improved 10-fold and everyday you and everyone else in the news room has gotten better. I hope our paths cross my final year at Ball State. Thanks for keeping it real man.
To Ryan “Money” Camden
Now I still don’t know why they call you money. But honestly you’re a great friend, and a great listener thanks for some of the conversations in the news room, and if this business does not work we can always open a Pizza Hut. It has been really fun hanging out with you this semester and I hope that we can spend time together this next summer now that you can finally go out. I hope you have a great summer with your internship in Indy and if you’re ever in Richmond come down to Cincinnati so we can cheer on our Redlegs.
To BC aka Brandon Clemens-
Brandon Clemens, thanks for making NLI so much fun. You brought the random fun events to the group, like bowling, skating, and free style Thursday. Brandon having spent a year in immersion with you, I have seen you improve so much and honestly you have all the skills you need to be successful. You’re a great writer and your really creative when it comes to stand-ups I wish you the best of luck in Ft. Wayne and I hope our paths cross again in the future.
To Tim, and Sy –
Thank you for taking me, and teaching me so much this semester. I think my confidence has increased at least by 10, and my speed of turning a package has also increased. I remember at the beginning of the semester you mentioned that NLI was a family and now I final get it , the final week of NLI and it is going to be hard to say good by to this family for the summer. Tim thank you for the constant criticism of my video it has made me a much better photographer and it has helped me to look at the world in a different way.
Finally to Jared –
Thanks for always being there to listen, and being a friend. Jared I remember when you pitched the idea simply because you wanted to keep your GA spot, but I am so glad I signed up. This semester has left me with some outstanding memories and amazing friends. Thanks for making everything I write sound so much better.
Well that’s it, that’s everyone a few days left and my NLI experience is over. I would like to thank everyone that helped me to learn and everyone in NLI for being such amazing people and friends. Goodbye NLI Goodbye.
