“So … where do you want to go? Florida?”
“Yeah. I think I could do Florida.”
And that’s the story of how I ended up here.
I started my college career at some no-name school (Point Park University) in Pittsburgh. Why did I choose to go to college in Pittsburgh? God only knows. But I am a firm believer in everything happening for a reason, so I figure there must have been some reason why I went there. On my first day of college, I met the Harry to my Lloyd: Kristi Marsili. Because of our love of spontaneity and lack of commitment, we decided on a whim to transfer to the University of Tampa.
During my first semester at UT, I was, by default, put into journalism I. After my first class, I tried to rearrange my schedule so that I could swap it out for another class that had fewer homework assignments. Luckily, that didn’t happen. After a couple of weeks, I fell in love. For that, I would like to thank my professor, Joe Humphrey, for showing me how amazing journalism is.
After declaring journalism as my minor, I started writing for The Minaret. When they asked me what I wanted to write, I requested my favorite section of the newspaper: the police beat. A year later, I stumbled into the position of news and features editor. Although that’s my official title, I am somehow still known as “the girl who writes the police beat.”
Although I adore those who write their farewell articles in the “Oscars-acceptance-speech style,” I cannot bring myself to do that. I prefer to write mine in “Police-Beat-style.” So, for the last time…
From the Aug. 29, 2010-April 24, 2011 reports.
Gossip Girl
At 6:30 a.m. on Wed., Alex Vera and I left the office. Here’s to the Tuesdays we worked until sunrise, wrote an unacceptable amount of pun-filled titles and nitpicked every “orphan” and “widow.” You have been an amazing Editor-in-Chief, and I can’t imagine working under anyone as easy as you … to get along with. I can’t wait to see where you’re at in ten years. Xoxo, Gossip Girl.
“MICHAEL! MICHAELLLLL!”
On Aug. 30, Michael Trobiano scared the s— out of me. But since then, you have been such a great help to me, and I know you’ll do amazing on top next year. But if I look online and see that you’ve turned the news and features section into a fashion section, I will kick you in your sweet little tight pants. Thanks again for letting me name that article “…Beats Off at UT.” I’ll never forget you for that. And know that any time I hear Katy Perry, I’ll think of you.
“Joshhhhhh!”
On Aug. 31, Josh Napier and I met each other. From the get-go, I knew right away that we would get along well, and also disagree well. I don’t think there has ever been anyone outside my immediate family that I fought and made up with as much as you, and I mean that in the most endearing way possible. But I wouldn’t trade our brother-sister, Sonny-Cher, Queen-servant (just kidding) relationship for anything. Good luck next year, big shot. I know you’ll do alright under Mike.
Foot Gloves
On Mar. 3 at 10 a.m., Abby Sanford and I sat next to each other on a plane. At approximately 10:15 a.m., I realized how alike we were. I’ll always cherish our late night talks, drinking at inappropriate times, K-F-M games, inside jokes and ESP. Thank God you came on the trip to LA. I don’t know what I would have done without you. Oh, and I almost forgot! Thank you for all the photos.
Conan the Barbarian: Daniel Feingold
From Aug. 29 to April 24, Feingold yelled and complained about completely irrelevant things. Then he told us for the hundredth time that he loved Conan O’Brien. I’ll forever miss hitting your hand away from your beautiful face every Tuesday.
“Come onnn bro!”
At 2 a.m. on April 5, I left the office at record time because of Kyle Bennett’s amazing layout skills. I’m going to miss that voice of yours that is about ten times too loud for your own good. Maybe if I listen closely on a Tuesday night, I might be able to hear its echo. By the way, you still owe me eight beers.
The Mother of the Group
From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Mandy Erfourth talked about her cats. I’ll miss you and our TV show talks every week. See you at your house in London!
Mr. Politics: Mikey Rumore
On Nov. 2, you sent me your first article. Approximately 10 minutes later, I fell in love with your writing, mainly for the fact that I barely have to edit it. I look forward to your political column in The New York Times.
Fashion Commentary
Philippa Hatendi, you are the only person who could pull off your outfits and make them look amazing. I will forever envy you for that.
Dr. John Jacobs:
On April 26, I submit my last request to you: Please continue to write about real issues, like bros, staying out of jail and how UT is like the mafia. Those are the issues that matter. I can’t wait for your special on Comedy Central.
“Do we have everything from news?”
From 6 p.m. until 2 a.m. on Tues., every week, Laura Theobald and Moriah Parrish make sense of every single articles. Thank you both for being patient with Josh and I for our never-failing, late articles.
“Give It the Space It Deserves”
On Sept. 6, I first heard those angelic words. Dan Reimold, Ph.D. Professor Reimold. Dr. Dan. Doctor. Dan. Whoever you are, thank you for teaching me how to take advantage of white space and how to make the layout “look sexy.” You were such an amazing mentor this past year. Your love for journalism has inspired me from day one. Thank you especially for your goofy sense of humor and ridiculous whistling ability that helped keep the office alive into those wee hours of the night. Go Philly!
Reports compiled by Cara Fetzer.
Screw it! Here comes the Oscar Speech. I would also like to thank all of the professors I’ve had here at UT, and a couple in particular who have made a special impact on my college career: John Capouya and Gracieli Scremin. Professor Capouya, thank you for helping me grow as a writer and teaching me to constantly challenge myself. To my advertising mentor, professor Scremin, thank you for teaching me these past two semesters to constantly dig for creativity and find that perfect life-changing campaign idea. You both have helped me develop in my two favorite subjects.
To my family: Thank you Mom and Dad, and brothers and sisters for always being there for me and supporting me in everything that I do. I couldn’t have made it through college without the seven of you.
I knew this day would come, but I didn’t think it would come this fast. Working for The Minaret has been one of the best experiences of my life. I have never had such a passionate love-hate relationship as I’ve had with you. But you’ve taught me so much that I will take with me long after my college life.
Great luck to all the new Minaret staffers next year! And get ready, your Tuesdays will never be the same again.
Cara Fetzer can be reached at cmfetzer@spartans.ut.edu.
awww you’re the best!!!!!