List of things to do: Finish projects and tests, spend hours in library, graduate, party, rest, pack up apartment, leave friends and family, start work. Look at list.

Panic.

A few weeks ago, I took a walk around campus with my boyfriend. It started out with looking for pizza, and we settled for Taco Bell. We headed down Lincoln Highway amid drunken stragglers and walked by the lagoon. We may as well have been on a trip through my time at NIU. I realized it’s been quite a journey.

1. Douglas Hall, where I lived on C1 for two years. Here and in the honors program, I met my friends that I would hang out with and a few, live with, for the next few years. I also met a few people that wouldn’t enter my life until later, like my current roommate and friend, Jen.

2. Kishwaukee Hall, former home to the Northern Star illuminated the path. The history of the Star is a strong one, and now, I’m part of that history.

3. The Music Building. Incidentally, it’s one of the few buildings on campus not named for a person. It was one of the first places on campus I went, and the purpose was to try out for the Huskie Colorguard. After making the ranks, I spent two fall semesters there flipping a pole with fabric in sync (oh, forget it) with 23 other girls to the tune of the Huskie Marching Band. Standing out on the field by the Engineering Building, I can still hear the cry of the director, Larry Stoffel, “Look to the hills of DeKalb!” which was humorous, considering we were practically at swamp level.

4. The tennis courts, where I didn’t die, surprisingly. I took my first tennis course with Christy Arnold, who used to work at the Star. Though I never had her as an editor, I imagine it was similar to having her as a tennis partner. She’s probably the reason I got an A.

5. Anderson Hall, where I started my misguided career in physical education. Thank you, Professor Parker, for your guidance and support, as well as for

teaching that class that told me P.E. was not the place for me.

6. The Art Building, where I spent another few semesters mistakenly trying for an art degree. Despite the support from many faculty, including Professors Grall and Jeremy Gosser, my heart wasn’t there.

7. The Campus Life Building, home, now, to the Northern Star. My home and substitute family for the last two and a half years, the Star led me to a relieving major in journalism, two internships and finally, a job. It also gave me co-workers, many of whom turned out to be friends. Throughout my time at the Star, I’ve gone through a number of changes, good and bad, and each time, my friends were there.

Heralding each family member, friend or professor would take another whole column. Suffice to say, Dad, Paige, Margo, Aunt Carol, Grandma, Erica, Melissa, Martin & and I’m sure I’m missing more than a few names & thank you. You helped more than I can say, and I wouldn’t have made it this far without you.

A few last notes: Irene Stephens, thank you for the phone call about the column on Planned Parenthood. You probably didn’t know it, but you helped me do my job that day.

Karen and Joyce: Thanks for being my counselors. You are the best.

Well, that’s about it. Take care, everyone, and thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed the show.

List of & ahem …

Revised list of things to do: Find a job (check), get living arrangements for summer (check), finish projects and tests, graduate, party, rest, pack up apartment, leave friends and family, start work. Look at list. Panic. Break down and cry. Run up phone bill, and cry some more. Mop up, share addresses, get in car, drive away. Think about past good times. Think about future good times. Start new life. Smile through the tears.