Well, gang, this is it. Right now, about a fourth of the campus is probably excited, about 10 percent is sad and the rest are indifferent. It’s my last edition of The Nicholls Worth. A lot has been done, a lot has been said, but it’s time to go. Graduation and the real world await.

I’ve been slowly weaning my way towards these final days at this university. And, like every other editor and graduate before me, I’m feeling nostalgic, sappy and scared. So, like every other editor, I’m writing the traditional goodbye column. But since I’m not good at sappy stuff, it’s going to be a nontraditional traditional goodbye.

It’s not really the leaving school part that bothers me. It’s not the responsibilities of the real world, either. Nor is it wedding jitters. I’ve got a little less than five months before I hit those.

It’s the leaving behind a huge part of my life. I got up Monday and went to get dressed. Now, it’s a well-documented fact that I’m not too concerned with my appearance. For Halloween, one staff writer wanted to dress as me. I said that was ridiculous, it would be hard to dress as me.

“Oh no it’s not,” she said. “I’m going to wear tennis shoes, some funky socks with frogs or something on them, a long skirt, a shirt that only kind of matches and I’m not going to brush my hair.”

Point taken. (Except for the hair brushing thing. I just have straight, yet wild hair.)

But anyway, my point to this anecdote is that I started being careful about my clothing selections from Monday through Thursday after a very upsetting incident when I was a staff writer.

A geology professor died, and I was sent at the last minute to cover it. I was wearing a bright red Hawaiian shirt, shorts and sandals. And I had to interview grieving coworkers and a half-brother.

Also, I once wore a Late Show T-shirt, denim shorts and an X-Files hat on a Thursday and wound up sitting in a meeting with the dean of student life regarding access to police reports. So I started wearing more demure clothes.

And now, for the rest of the semester, I can wear whatever I want. Loud, cartoony, it makes no difference now.

Heh. As I was writing those things, I realized exactly how much I will truly miss this place. It’s been quite a ride. I met some truly interesting people. (“Interesting” being the only fitting word.)

I’ve been exposed to a lot of different people. Not only through our staff, but through the people I’ve had to interview and interact with.

There’s Drs. David Boudreaux and Eugene Dial, who have helped us through so many things (Even though Dr. Dial can’t pronounce my name. It’s the first letter of the alphabet and the fifth month of the year).

There’s Dr. Donald Ayo, who is being a good sport with my years-long claim that he looks like Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s. There’s a ton of other administrators and faculty, but I hate name dropping.

There’s the random student or office worker I’ve spotlighted.

There’s Mrs. Anne, the most tolerant office coordinator I’ve ever met. There was Mrs. Lesley, who is a walking “remember when” book, and now there is Nicki, who is so intent on getting things accomplished. I’m sure she’ll be appreciative of my stubborn self leaving. (That was a joke, Nicki. Laugh.) It’s like I went from an extra mother to a big sister.

And most of all, there’s my very own fianc, who has put up with my work-related mood swings, with my odd working hours, with the strange demands placed upon me at this job and when I was a staff writer and managing editor. I’m not good at mushy stuff, so I’ll move on.

Working here has been a trip, from having to interview arrested teachers, to reporting on the new electrical substation, to chasing false leads about the monument, to late night door ball and staff excursions to local eateries. And the Santa wars. Ahh, the Santa wars…

I encourage you, the reader, to join our staff soon so you can see what I mean. I’ve learned a lot about different types of people, from our growing DZ ad staff, the photo crew, our art major writer, our education majors, and Marie (for whom no description can accurately depict. She’s just not like the rest of them.).

Incidentally, I do not hate Greeks. Just ask the DZ ad staff. And my maid of honor, who was in a sorority at USM. I just didn’t like those T-shirts. But you express one opinion, and you’re labeled for life.

Come to think of it, I’m not anti-anything on this campus, except for the old guys who used to hand out New Testaments, then started praying for your immortal, troubled soul when you politely declined to accept one.

We’re all students. Not everyone is going to think the same way, which is what makes college so great. It’s a place to grow and learn about other people.

Well, Nicholls, it’s been fun. A lot of ups and downs. A lot of memories. And I have to move on. Treat our next editor well, and best of luck to him or her.

And one last time, because it wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t try it: Hey, Ellender Hall! Let the residents adjust their air!