Ah, sweet graduation. Sixteen years of school come to a glorious end in a lengthy three-hour ceremony, followed by moving boxes and an open road, while the nostalgic question, “Where did it all go?” loops in my head.

Yet, my parting wish? To see change.

(And now to burn a few bridges).

I am completely serious when I say I feel the leadership exemplified by the administration and officials that directly affect the student media is severely lacking. How can I be a stellar leader when I cannot find such qualities in those who should be leading me? That is, when did my advocates become my adversaries?

This is not “our” paper any more than it is Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock’s. It is a paper with a learning curve on a mission to reach students and report the news. What are you constructively doing to understand and help the process rather than hinder it?

Ultimately, I would give anything for this publication, as I have been more dedicated to The Appalachian over the years than I have been to my family, friends, fiancé or any other activity.

I’ve skipped classes to take photos and I’ve skimped on sleep to edit them. I’ve shot athletic games rather than shots of tequila and can teach anyone how to use a D-SLR camera in 10 minutes. I’ve always been prepared to make compromises to make gains, to work for positive change and not settle for mediocrity. The problem, however, is that I graduate in two weeks.

The drama and lack of support I have seen and realized as a real dilemma (highlighted during my time as a desk editor) have come too late to instill any lasting change.

So, good luck to the 2009-10 Editorial Board, you’re going to need it. Learn to be self-sufficient and don’t take too seriously criticism from those above who don’t try to learn anything about the process of putting out a publication. It’s only wasted time and frustration until they decide they want to actively care because, honestly, it’s a two-way street.

To the entire staff of The Appalachian: from the bottom of my heart, thank you. As long as this university has individuals who are as passionate as you, the paper is in good hands and will survive whatever challenges it encounters, even without significant help from the outside.

To the “photogs” (Holt, James, Rachel, Christy, Tommy, Aubryn and Sherese): I’m so incredibly proud of the work you’ve produced this year. Thank you for giving me a chance and keeping me on my toes. I’ll miss you guys, but keep shooting and I’ll be following your stellar work from afar. My best to each of you in photography and life.

To this year’s Editorial Board: heck yeah. The long days and late nights were the best of times and the worst of times trying to meet deadlines and make a difference—and it all would have been unbearable without your company.

I will always remember laughing at “what starts with ‘f’ and ends with ‘uck’? Firetruck!” and the “that’s what she said” jokes while sharing a box of Cocoa Puffs in the office. Not to mention, learning how to receive and swallow raw honesty with a smile while becoming a better photographer, editor and person. Truly, it’s been a blast.

Also, a sincere thank you to the professors who led engaging classes and inspired me whether they know it or not (all while putting up with my periodical absences and occasional late work).

Much appreciation to: Jeff Cloninger, John Craft, Jean DeHart, Paul Gates, Scott Meister, Monica Pombo, Janice Pope, Curtis Ryan and Scott Tobias.

Please don’t stop caring.

To the Steely Pan Steel Band: I will never be part of anything as unique as this band and I will miss it dearly. Make sure Matt keeps dancing next year.

And of course, to my parents: a few words will never be enough to express my gratitude for putting me through college, for your unconditional support and for always being just a phone call away. You’re the best.

Last but not least, to Josh: initially, I always figured I’d be too busy to find love in college, but these past three years have been amazing. With six hours between us for the majority of our relationship, I can’t wait to finally call you my husband in October and start our lives together in Roanoke, Va. Everything I could say here, you already know, but here’s to the good (as well as bad) times ahead while growing old together.

To everyone else: your time in Boone is just a minute of your life. Enjoy every snow day, every test, every conversation and every hangover. Live it up because I promise it will be over long before you realize it’s time to walk across that stage and say goodbye.

Alisha Park, a senior journalism major from Huntersville, is the Chief Photographer.

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