When I arrived in Pullman in August of 2007, I was a shy 18-year-old who had little self-confidence. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life after college, and I had no idea my time at WSU would pass by so quickly.

I would have never guessed that in my five years, I would have lived in another country, spent more of my senior year in the back of a cop car on Friday nights than at the bar, or that things like grammatical errors and misused apostrophes would come to bother me so much.

I also never thought I'd be graduating college with a job, or that I'd be excited to move to Centralia, Wash. to be a reporter covering things like meth busts and shootings.

My employment and future would have never been possible without a few individuals support and encouragement.

First off, to my parents — you both are lovely, and thanks for paying for my obscenely expensive undergradaute education.

I also owe a very large thank you to the journalism professor Benjamin Shors for his constant patience, coaching, as well as for believing in me at times when I didn't believe in myself. If it weren't for him, I would have never stuck with journalism.

Also, to Pullman police officers Heidi Lambley and Chris Engle: Thank you both for letting me tag along so many weekend nights throughout the semester. You showed me a side of Pullman I sort of wish I didn't know existed. I also think I've seen enough puke and blood to last me a lifetime. If it weren't for the two of you I would have never wanted to become a crime reporter, and I'd probably have a very naive perception of law enforcement. Also, to Chief Gary Jenkins and Commander Chris Tennant — you both freakin' rock. Thank you for calling me back as promptly as you both did, and answering the hundreds of questions I had for you both.

If it weren't for my positive experience with the law enforcement in this community, I might've ended up reporting on things like city council or something equally as dull.

To my coworkers at The Daily Evergreen — it amazes me we got through this year with so few meltdowns. Somehow, through the dismal paychecks, crappy computers, grumpy readers and crazy people calling the newsroom, we stuck together and managed to produce a newspaper every night. I have nothing but respect for all of you, and I know I learned a lot from being surrounded by so many stubborn and inquisitive people. I will especially miss the looney tunes who call the opinion desk. They are of a different breed.

Also, to our lovely readers — I am sorry about the mistakes we made, and for all the typos that snuck in our newspaper. Errors and typos suck, but sometimes they happen. We are students just like you all, and like most students, we aren't perfect. Also, I hope you all enjoyed your snarky, passive aggressive horoscopes this semester that were laced with Honey Badger references. I swear I had nothing to do with them.

Finally, I'd like to thank Andrea Castillo, my most recent best friend. You came into my life at a point where I really needed someone who made me laugh. I will never forget our long nights working in The Daily Evergreen's office listening to "Make it nasty" by Tyga while communicating in a strange mixture of British and Southern accents. You truly made a terrible semester tolerable.

During my five years as an undergrad, I made mistakes and learned more outside of the classroom than in it. So here are my words of wisdom for up and coming Cougs: Be a better student than the person sitting next to you. Meet your professors, most of them are nice people. 

Don't carry around an open container of alcohol in a public place, you will get stopped by the police and given a big, fat citation. Don't get arrested, and if you do, having an attitude problem will not help you out much. Take chances, and learn from your mistakes. 

In addition, remember that higher education is a privilege, not a right. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way and don't let hangovers get in the way of studying.

Also, for the love of all that is holy in the Palouse, please take care of your drunk friends.