Featured Photo: (Pacer Photo / Miranda Conrad)

First, I think it’s important for you to listen to “Au revoir (Adios)” by The Front Bottoms while you read this. There is no Chloe without a Midwest Emo song.

When I came to UT Martin, I didn’t know how I would fit into the university. I was a transfer student as well as a nontraditional student, turning 25 the second week of my junior year. If I thank everyone who deserves a thank you in this, it would easily be 3,000 words. So, I am just going to hit a few of the people. If I didn’t include you, I’m sorry — it’s not personal. Love ya, mean it.

First, one of my very best friends and the person who has seen me cry about 4,000 times this school year, Miranda Conrad. Mir Mir, I don’t think you realize how much you have changed me as a person. I don’t think I would have made it — taking 18 credit hours, on top of working two jobs — if I didn’t have your shoulder to cry on every day. You are a friend that I feel like I don’t deserve. You deserve everything good in this world and anybody who says anything different is wrong. You will do great things because you are a good person.

Clarissa Spitzley, who I became inseparable with. You are always cheering me on even after you graduated last spring. You are always down to listen to my insane ideas, listen to my rants and are the first person to say you’re proud of me. I owe a lot of my Adobe Illustrator knowledge to you. You are the definition of a best friend.

Dr. Kristi Gatto, you have been such a big cheerleader of mine, guiding me along the way through this department. We were both new to UT Martin when I got here, and you helped me figure out my passion. You are the best adviser and an even greater friend. Thank you for treating me not only like a student, but as a friend who could talk to you about how stressed school was making me. You also have helped me learn to say no. I know I still have trouble with that. I am sure you will keep reminding me. You also make good baked ziti.

The Pacer staff and WUTM staff, you quickly became my family. You all have played a major part in my life, and I owe you all a lot. Thank you for putting trust in our friendships and in my work. Thank you for always reminding me I am the old person on the staff. Serving as the managing editor for The Pacer and as web services director for WUTM has been the highlight of my time here.

Ms. Tomi McCutchen, this department is going to miss you so much. I appreciate our chats about life. You are one of the best people I know.

My family and friends back home, thank you for being such big supporters and not calling me crazy for going back to school in person rather than online.

Last but certainly not least, Dr. Kayli Plotner, you have pushed me to my limits in the best way possible. You have put so much trust in my work, and I thank you for that. You’ve taught me so much and have made my time on The Pacer all worthwhile. From when I first met you at your trial class during your interview for UT Martin, I could tell you would be an asset for the department. I hope you aren’t waiting for the day that I won’t be messaging you with random updates, because that is happening for life.

Thank you, UT Martin. Thank you MMSC department. With that, unc is out!