The Panther means different things to different people. I am not na’ve to the fact that to most it’s just a 20 Questions holder or a Thursday distraction, but I hope that for some The Panther is a useful source of information and a record of priceless memories. For me, The Panther is more than just a paper. The Panther and its staff are like family. Coming to the office on Tuesday nights is like going to Grandma’s after church every Sunday; sure sometimes you don’t want to be there, and, yes, you may get mad when Uncle such-and-such starts talking crazy, but you wouldn’t trade them for the world.
Ashley, I will really miss you. You are the coolest person ever; news can’t be news without you. I am definitely going to miss the miniature freak-outs, but I am looking forward to the many triumphs that will come from your drive and perseverance. When the magazine comes out, let me know so I can start working for an up-and-coming prestigious publication. And don’t worry, if it says EMERGENCY STORY, I will write it.
Evan, most likely to succeed and all The Panther needs, I am going to miss your below the radar comments. You are the backbone (visually anyway) of The Panther and even though we don’t say it too often, your pics are Beasty. Although I have known you for some time (Brookhollow shuttle bus) I am really glad I got the chance to know the cool, quiet, happy-on-the-sly you. You can teach my future kids any day, just not about women (Richard!).
David aka Random with Fandom (just made that up but it really fits), I will miss your random outbursts, creativity, and downright Davidness. I know that you are going on to do big things, but I am going to hold you to my future wedding photos. I never did get to learn how to pop lock, but either way Jabbawockees Rule!!!!
Jameek, Baldimoore Yo! Who is going to teach us Dip Searching 101? There have been so many late nights, early classes and just plain craziness but you have managed to keep us all together and make a team that acts like a family. As mean as you seem, you are a really sweet person who cares deeply. And if I ever get into a fight, I know which Delta’s got my back.
Richie “upbeat” Rich, you are always the one I want to see on a bad day. No matter what happens I know that you will have an encouraging word to say or a smile to give. Thanks for being there to catch my jokes; if I ever decide to become a comedian you are the first audience member I am calling. And whenever I am having a bad day I will just remember “LIFE IS SHORT YOU KNOW, DO YOU.”
Jerrell. Although some of those super intellectual conversations went way over my head, I will miss the superficial conversations that made us laugh, the quick-witted comments, and I will still continue to read my smut. Maybe once those boneheads in Washington legalize prostitution (and other recreational activities) you can teach a class… But tell me this, “Is a man not entitled to the sweat of his own brow?”
Otis and Aaron, it was nice to hear the gospel in the midst of the madness. And when a dinosaur tramples Jerrell, you guys can say, “I told you so.” Keep blessing people along your path to greatness.
Jackie, writers, and Panther contributors, although we give you a hard time, we thank you for taking time out to contribute to the history of Prairie View. And to the Newbies… Good Luck…
Gabriella D. Murray,
2007-2008 Managing Editor
p.s. Anyone Seen David?