Deep down inside even the most unbelieving of cynics, lives a romantic.

Someone who believes against all the odds, with the worst of curveballs, detours and poor lucks of the draw, that love will conquer all.

For those who know me best, writing my last piece for The Appalachian about love won’t come as a surprise in the least.
I’ll go as far to say anyone who has talked to me for more than 30 minutes, actually.

 by Craig Dixon

For some reason, Appalachian State University has decided to give me a degree. I’m not sure if I’ve earned it or if they just got sick of seeing me hanging around Walker Hall, but the rumor is they’re letting me go in May.

More amazingly, The Appalachian editors have made the mistake of letting me write a goodbye. So now I’ll do the cliché thing and reflect upon this era of all-nighters, hangovers, exams and life lessons.

Next year will be a year of growth for The Appalachian student newspaper. We have a challenge ahead of us as difficulties arise with the state of the economy, the publication’s budget and the changing world of journalism.

However, The Appalachian will continue coverage of local, state, national and world events in a timely and thorough manner through both our print and online editions. Despite budget cuts, we will still push forward as a twice-weekly print publication, but will also update The Appalachian Web site daily with new content.

Dear students of Appalachian State University,

This past year has been a year of many changes.  On a national level, we have had a change in the United States president.

On a local level, we now have liquor by the drink in Boone and a brand new cafeteria. 

As the school year is coming to an end, Michele and I are working hard on transitioning to serving as your new student government president and vice president.  By the end of this week, we will officially be the new voices of the student body.