Four and a half years of my life have been spent at Appalachian State University.

The time has finally arrived to pack up my things, attend my very last university class and walk across the stage to accept the diploma that has required some of the hardest work I have ever done in my life.

While my college career has been filled with many influential people and events, the most important part of my life here undoubtedly has been The Appalachian. 

It is not obvious to the general student body, but this organization is the hardest working group of students on campus.

Each student balances a full load of classes, regular deadlines and meetings twice a week and many even manage to be a part of other clubs or Greek Life.

While I have overheard and have even been the receiver of, oftentimes, harsh criticism from students and staff alike, I urge people to realize the newspaper is a learning experience and the ambition and dedication of these students is more than most of the campus will even attempt during their time here.

Moving past my time as a student and newspaper staff member, I now come to my time as a Boone resident.

For those who know me, it is no mystery I hate Boone with a passion that cannot be matched.

Coming from the small town of Pilot Mountain with a whopping population of 1,271, I have experienced the downsides of a small town before.

While Boone may have more options for restaurants and shopping than most small towns, they lose their value when the town basically begins shutting down at roughly 6 p.m.

By 9 p.m., you are lucky to find something edible that is not dipped in grease and then deep-fried in lard and butter.

While on the topic of nightlife in Boone, I have to mention how pathetic the choice of live music is.

On any given night, students have the option of seeing one of three jam bands covering the same Phish, Widespread Panic and Grateful Dead songs.

But aside from the lack of life after dark, I hate the fact I have to sell my soul to the devil to park in town any time before the parking Nazis’ days are done.

The weather in Boone has also left me cursing the heavens in vain.

Only in Boone can you walk out in the morning to 60 degree weather and come home to an ungodly mixture of snow, ice, lightning and 75 mph winds.

Unfortunately this horrific weather brings out what we all refer to lovingly as the “Floridiots.”

As a front desk attendant at an upscale inn in Blowing Rock, I have had my fair share of experiences with this undesirable group of beings.

However it is quite impressive to see someone who can completely insult your intelligence one minute and demand directions to all of the nearest tourist traps the next.

These people are one in the same with every directionally challenged person I have found myself behind in traffic on U.S. Highway 321.

I find it amazing people who can navigate six lanes of bumper-to-bumper traffic on highways in Florida cannot handle the simplicity that is 321.

If you find yourself trying to give them directions in the future…don’t.

These people could not navigate their way out of a wet paper bag.

I recommend giving them Mapquest directions so they can take the scenic, gravel road routes through the area.

Finally, my biggest issue with Boone…the Boone natives.

Most of these people walk around cursing Appalachian.

I have one thing to say to these community members.

Without this university, the town would cease to function. Students, their families and sporting events make up a bulk of the community’s economy and should be respected. 

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