In the words of Christina Johnson, this is the final curtain call, well sort of. Unlike the others who have written farewells in this edition, I am not graduating yet. However, I am stepping down from my position of photo editor that I have loved so much over these last two and a half years. If I didn’t have to student teach, I would still do it, believe you me. So this is sort of a bittersweet moment for me because I will be here but I won’t. I really don’t know what next semester holds for me schedule wise, so I’ll get my thank you and acknowledgements out now, while I still can.
Otis: I start with you because you are the only one in the office that is as old as me. We literally came in here together and been here ever since. No matter how many times I left the paper and then came back I knew you would always be the familiar face in the room. I really appreciate all the times you took me home when I didn’t have a ride even though I still owe you gas money. Now all you got to do is stop lying and graduate.
Nneka: I have to give a special shout out to you because you gave me such a hard time when I was trying to become photo editor, but I appreciate it because without that struggle and hours of unpaid labor, I don’t think I would have appreciated it as much. Thanks.
Rashad: You are the “beastiest” sports editor The Panther has ever had. I appreciate you believing in my photographic ability and just making my pictures look good on your page.
Alanna: You are the best even though I know I didn’t act like it when you were here. You had a great vision for the paper and stuck to your guns and went though with it no matter what I or anyone else said. The paper is what it is now because of you. Thanks for being patient with me.
Jameka: I have the utmost respect for you. You are still that crazy girl from St. Louis, but now since I have come to know and love that crazy girl, I know that there is a method to the madness. We have had our spats but I wouldn’t trade the times we had for anything (except when you broke my lens). I could say a lot of encouraging words about how you are driven, talented, goal oriented, and not hard on the eyes, but I have a feeling that you know all of it already.
David: My brother from another shutter. I’m not going to lie. When you first approached me about doing photography for The Panther, your pictures sucked. However, obviously you took to it like a bird in flight and let your true talent show. You are so multidimensional it’s crazy. I truly believe that if you tried to be an astronaut today, you would be in space in two weeks. I have no doubt that in whatever you do you are going to shine. Thank you for being good, because in doing that you made me step my game up.
Gabby: We go way back to your freshman year and those long van rides to Brookhollow. To tell you the truth, I couldn’t remember your name until you started working for the paper that’s why I always called you British. You have really blossomed into a beautiful young woman with immaculate hair and I am proud to have been witness to your growth. I’ll miss your sarcastic comments even when they weren’t appropriate and just seeing you on a daily basis. Make sure I am the first to get an invite to the wedding. If you ever need to talk, don’t hesitate to Facebook me.
Ashley: You only hug me when you want something, but you are always kind hearted. Stay exactly the way you are and you’ll get everything you want out of life. You are an exceptional journalist and I know you are going to blow up so when you are head of your own magazine, don’t forget about your boy.
Richard: You are the epitome of a nerd but you are the coolest nerd I know. You are kind of like that goofy little brother but you are still my brother nonetheless. We also had our spats and I would just not talk, but I would rather me not talk than to say something that would jeopardize our friendship. I know that you will be a good E.I.C. because you know what it takes and have what it takes despite what anyone might say. Do good.
Jerrell: You are definitely the second coolest nerd I know. All I have to say is ease up on the chief and step up to the plate when you are needed. Keep hitting people with those big words and lay off the one that starts with “N” or I will be seeing you. You will never get it. You are a great writer and you should show off your talent more.
Dana: When I finally leave, don’t fall off and go back to the way you were. Continue to be persistent and work hard to get where you want to be and concentrate on one thing. Eventually the work will pay off and others will see your potential like I do. You are like the little sister I never had.
Jackie: You are so quiet but your great personality still shines through that. I’ll still be on Facebook so keep keeping up with me and giving me critiques on my photos because I know that if nobody else does, you will.
I really love PV and it’s going to be hard not to serve in the capacity that I have before and not be around the people whom have been my family at my home away from home. I know that there are much greater things for us around the corner. Therefore graduation wouldn’t be the final curtain call but the opening act. I love all yall (no homo).
Evan White
2007-2008 Photo Editor