Farewell, GSU!

     It is hard to believe, but this is my last issue as Editor-in-Chief of the Phoenix! My time as Editor-in-Chief has been filled with many challenges, but it has also been one of the most rewarding opportunities I have had in my life.

     I have a lot of people that I would like to say thank you to. I have received a lot of help, support, and love during my time here at GSU, and I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to say thank you to all of the wonderful people that I have met and worked with here at GSU.

     First of all, I would like to say thank you to my staff here at the Phoenix.  My job as Editor-in-Chief was made so much easier because of the small but incredibly talented and dedicated staff we have here at the Phoenix. Andrea Florenz, Samantha Kaspar, Anna Soloff, and Jonathan Bulthuis are the best team I could have ever asked to have worked with. I know that Andrea, Anna, and Jon will thrive and continue to make the Phoenix the best it can be, next semester and beyond. With that being said, I will miss everyone here at the Phoenix dearly, and I will always treasure the friendships that we've formed.

     I would also like take this opportunity to give a special thank you to Samantha Kaspar. This is Samantha's last issue as Staff Writer. She is leaving the Phoenix to focus exclusively on her studies next semester so that she can graduate in May. I wish Samantha all the best and I look forward to walking the stage with her next Spring!

      I would also like to thank the many great contributing writers that have written for the Phoenix during my time as Editor-in-Chief. One of my goals as Editor-in-Chief was to increase student involvement in the paper. I am especially grateful for the work of Adam Ebert, Katrina Koltz, Steve Luzzo, Maria Ramirez, and Kayla Randolph-Clark, who have been regular contributors to the Phoenix. The Phoenix has become a higher quality publication because of our student contributors. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, all of you!

     I would like to thank all of the professors, faculty, and staff that I have learned from and worked with here at GSU as well.  I have met (and written stories on the work of) so many wonderful people here at GSU during my time as Editor-in-Chief. I wish I had the space to thank all of you individually! I would also like to thank the various departments that have worked with and supported the Phoenix. I am also especially thankful to GSU President Elaine P. Maimon and her office for their support of the Phoenix.

     I especially would like to thank the two women who have guided me here at the Phoenix, former Phoenix Faculty Advisor Victoria Pierce, and current Faculty Advisor Deborah James. It is because of Vickie that I became Editor-in-Chief of the Phoenix. I've learned so much from Vickie about journalism and news writing. Her Newswriting, Reporting, and Editing class is one of the best classes I've taken here at GSU. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about journalism and the media! I have also learned much from Debbie. In the short time I've worked with Debbie, I have learned a great deal about what it takes to be a great Editor. I know under Debbie's leadership, the Phoenix will continue to grow and excel.

     My thank you list would be incomplete if I didn't also thank the most important people in my life, my family! I don't know where I would without the love and support of my parents, James and Patricia, my sister Jaclyn, my girlfriend Kay, and all of my friends and relatives. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful friends and family!

      Last (but certainly not least!) I would like to thank you, dear reader! I appreciate everyone, whether you are a student or not, who has read the Phoenix over the last year and a half. I hope that everyone who has read the Phoenix during my tenure has enjoyed what they've read. If for some reason you have not, the best advice I can give you is to be the change you wish to see! The Phoenix thrives on student involvement. Get involved, write for the Phoenix! I hear there's an Editor position opening up in the Spring. Perhaps, the next Editor-in-Chief could be you?