By Caleb McWilliams, The Vista Copy Editor.

It’s weird to sit down to write this column.

I’ve only been with The Vista for a year, but it seems like a huge part of my life.

And that’s not entirely a statement of sentimentality.

I’ve skipped multiple classes, skipped multiple social engagements and skipped many hours of sleep for the student voice of UCO.

It’s been a huge part of my life because it has taken over my life.

But after reaching a milestone like graduation, it’s hard not to look back with nostalgic feelings for the paper and realize how much you’re going to miss it.

UCO has meant a lot to me in many ways since transferring here my sophomore year.

It was here that I learned that I may bleed ink. It was at Central I learned from some of the greatest profs in the state, and here that I met some of my very best friends.

One of the best parts about UCO for me has been The Vista.

I say that because I’ve had so much fun at paper it’s hard to let the jokes run through my head without becoming hopelessly distracted.

I start to think about changing leads, you-know-who and his plant, DRT, babbys being formed, PASSWORD!s, wraslin’, magic and more of our “favourite” jokes before I realize I’m supposed to be writing an inspirational farewell, and not an indecipherable mess of inside jokes no more funny than vegan strawberry milkshake Oreos.

I do have a point I’d like to make before slipping into my page two prerogative of thanking everyone under the sun.

There are opportunities and chances you’ll get in your college career, and it’s decidedly important that you take those.

I took an opportunity to work at The Vista, made it a point to prioritize it, and now I’ve been fortunate enough to land a job.

I would not have been able to do that if I hadn’t met the people I met with The Vista, and learned the real stress, work and fun of journalism.

For you, other major reader, there will be chances for you to intern, part-time or volunteer with some group you’re interested in.

Though the thought of losing time spent with friends for little to no money may seem nauseating, it will pay off.

Or at least you might meet some cool people.

Or at least you may find out you hate your major.

“Through all of the chaos that is our history,” the president says in Armageddon, “through all the wrong and the discord, through all the pain and the suffering … ” Working at The Vista wasn’t bad at all like it sounds there. I just look for reasons to quote things I like.

But there have been some tense and dramatic moments.

And yet I’m proud to say it’s those moments that have helped me grow as a person, grow as a journalist and most importantly grow in my friendships.

To the NewsCentral people: “Living in sin is the new thing.” Though we’ve only been shotgun married since late August, it’s been crazy, interesting and fun living in our new room with you guys since mid-summer. And really loud. Ya’ll need to shush sometimes.

To Tresa: Where would we be without our office mom? You’ve been the best, and I’ll miss you a lot. Your terrible taste in movies notwithstanding, I hope you enjoyed the movies I made this past year. I’m sure we’ll all never see someone peering over a computer screen like a prairie dog the same.

Teddy: Thanks for your crepe myrtle sized help this semester. I know I really appreciate all the advice and help you’ve offered.

Our Vista advertising, photographers and writers: There’s been a ton of shake-ups this semester, and you guys have hung in like champs. Thanks for all your hard work.

Kory Oswald, Ryan Croft and Laura Hoffert: I love you guys to death, and will miss being stressed out on deadline days with you guys (like we currently are now). We’ve gone through some crazy drama, and even the end of this semester caused some strife. But through it all, I’m still sure I’ve made some life-long friends who’ll continue to make American Indian jokes all while I get my free money. At least I don’t pretend to be European and blame it on Australians, or eat nauseating vegan mush.

Have a good break, everyone, and for those of you graduating with me this semester, congratulations.