Part of our department's senior send-off included writing our goals and dreams on balloons and releasing them into the sky. There are how many trees in Abilene? Not that many. Yet my balloon found one of them and was denied its ascent. As I stood there, surveying the irony of the situation I thought to myself, "This is a pretty accurate ... [Read More…]
This is not a goodbye column
They told me this is my last column for the Optimist, but I will spare you my top-10 tips I taught my freshman self. I tend to think there is a surplus of senior sentiments around this time and, frankly, my advice booklet is busting at the seams. Furthermore, I have a terminal case of avoidadieuitis. Roommates can testify, I am renown for ... [Read More…]
Tips from a senior who made it
In a few weeks, I'll be graduating from ACU. In a few short years, you will too. As unemployment continues to rise and college education becomes an expectation rather than a distinguishment, it becomes increasingly difficult to differentiate ourselves from the mass of graduates. Now that companies value experience over education, our degrees no ... [Read More…]
The ever-nearing headlights
It's finally March again, which typically means three things for me: college basketball has commandeered my television until April, baseball has once again graced this great country with its presence and my pasty-white legs will finally get to see the sun again. This year is much the same as years past (although the weather is putting a damper ... [Read More…]
Saying goodbye to black and white
After five wonderfully hectic semesters, my time at the Optimist has come to a close. Walking into the newsroom three years ago, I couldn't have fathomed the impact this magical institution would have on my life. This place is my home and leaving it is like leaving a small piece of me behind. I have come a long way since the mild-mannered, ... [Read More…]
Some final thoughts from our fearless leader
I graduate from college in a week. And it seems like only three years I was graduating from high school. The Nostalgia Effect I may have had a shorter stay at ACU than most, but that doesn't mean I'm not sad to be leaving my dear Christian College, nor does it mean I haven't acquired any outstanding memories along the way: Watching every episode ... [Read More…]
The tale of a simple sports reporter turned Chief
I have a confession to make. During my first semester at ACU, I rarely read the Optimist. I didn't find it interesting. I didn't care about administration changes, campus events or what the editorial board thought about iPads in the classroom. I was happy to be an ignorant, happy, social freshman journalism major with visions of ESPN employment ... [Read More…]
College offers enjoyment despite disappointments
After deciding to come to ACU in the spring semester of my senior year, I was excited to embark on the journey known as higher education (a.k.a. college). During my freshman year there were wonderful memories from first west, Freshman Follies and intramurals. Then during the spring semester an announcement was made that all incoming freshman would ... [Read More…]