It’s with a touch of sadness and a hint of uncertainty that I leave you with this – my last column.

The past four semesters as a columnist have provided many memorable moments, along with many fantastic people. However, this column isn’t about me. It’s about you, the loyal readers who have stuck with me week after week.

Thank you for your willingness to offer feedback on the topics I chose to discuss. There are so many of us who have intelligent, comprehensive views on world issues. I was just the fortunate one who got to put them in a newspaper.

I want to say a special thank you to each and every one of you who took the time out of your busy day to write me a response. Believe it or not, your feedback is the fuel that keeps the Northern Star columnists writing.

During my time as a columnist, I tried to introduce topics that were controversial. I will always subscribe to the belief that intelligent debate over critical issues is just what the doctor ordered to remain a healthy society.

Some of you may have fully supported my point of view and some of you may have mildly agreed with me. And then there are some of you who may refer to me as an incoherent right-wing imbecile. No matter which category you fall into, I sincerely hope that my columns have sparked an interest for the issues at hand.

I’d like to apologize to anyone who may have felt offended by my columns. It was never my intention to be offensive. That being said, I carry with me no regrets. My point of view was an opinion, and you are entitled to your opinions as well.

The reason I’ve decided to end my stay as a columnist is because it’s time for other NIU students to get a shot. The Star is looking for new columnists as you read this, so turn in an application. For those of you interested in broadcast journalism, head on over to the Northern Television Center and get a head start with your broadcasting career.

Don’t be satisfied with reading and hearing the news every day. Be a part of it. I can’t stress enough just how valuable hands-on experience is. You can only learn so much from a textbook.

As for me, well, I won’t exactly be riding off into the sunset. I’ve decided to take a job as a political talk show host for NS*Radio. From 6 to 8 p.m. every Sunday on NSRadio.com, you’ll be able to listen to “The Showdown,” starring NIU’s very own Mark Tallman, Jim Yeager, Nick Arhos and yours truly.

So this is it, a final farewell. I’m handing this column over to one of you. Treat it with care and don’t take it for granted. With this column comes the power of publicity. Use it to your full advantage.

God bless and good night.

Columns reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Northern Star staff.