When sitting down to write this senior reflection, I thought about what would be the best use of my 500 to 800 words. While I could certainly go on all day about the great experiences I’ve had at Colgate, I’d instead like to use this column to thank those who have helped me survive my four years.

At this risk of sounding like I’m accepting an Oscar, I promise not to thank the Acad-emy or gush over this institution. However, I think that recognizing those who have kept me sane at Colgate is far more important than anything else I could say.

First and foremost, I have to thank my parents. I regularly abuse the “you’re my parent, so you have to talk to me” privi-lege, using up a great deal of cell phone minutes in the process.

My parents have listened to me rant, worry and cry, and despite the fact that I often don’t follow their advice (I know that exercise relieves stress, Dad, but going to the gym just takes so much effort) they continue to offer it.

They’ve provided care packages, wake-up calls, Skype therapy, finan-cial support, inexpert medical advice and even stolen-vehicle recovery ser-vices. A friend of mine recently asked me when the last time was that my parents let me down. The answer is never. My mom and dad have been there for me every day, 24 hours a day. And even before I had a job of-fer, they told me that I could live at home indefinitely without paying rent or utilities. If that isn’t unconditional love, I don’t know what is.

Colgate has also taught me that I’m certainly not the easiest person to get along with, but my friends continually forgive my depressing cynicism, my unfiltered opinions, my perpetual lateness, my desire to stay in on a Friday night and my con-stant worrying. I’ve been humbled by these friendships, as I’ve realized how much I have to work at maintaining relationships and thinking unselfishly. In a way, this newspaper is directly responsible for many of the great friends I’ve made here.

If the Maroon-News editorial staff had provided breakfast during my first-year pre-orientation program, I would not have gone to the Library Caf?e with Katie David and Brittani DiMare and had such great morning conversations. A friend-ship born out of hunger has lasted for four years, and will hopefully last for many more. I’m confident the same will be true for all the great friendships I’ve formed at Colgate. I hope that at future class reunions, I can share breakfast in the caf?e with the same great group of friends – and that they’ll still be forgiving of the fact that I’ll probably be 10 minutes late getting there.

I also cannot write a thank-you letter without thanking those who have been forced to proofread it. It certainly has not been an easy year for this publication, and I am constantly amazed by this staff ‘s ability to keep calm and carry on. I recently heard the quote “Doctors bury their mis-takes. Lawyers hang them. But journalists put theirs on the front page.” As a staff, we’ve made mistakes, and we have had our fair share of corrections to run. Despite public scrutiny and criticism, however, the editorial staff continues to sacrifice its Wednesday nights to publish the Maroon-News. It takes a truly dedi-cated group of people to prioritize layout over going out, and I’m grateful to have had the pleasure of working with them.

And finally, to the library caf?e staff: you’ve provided me with daily access to caf-feine. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Contact Jenn Carey at [email protected].