The Year-End Shout Out
Coming to a close on the year makes you reflect. I am now finished with 50% of my college career. Honestly, that almost makes me want to cry... or at least stay a fifth year. Anyway, there have been tons of people that have really been there/made an impact on me/become a great friend this year. I would like to say a few things to them, in no particular order of course:
First of all, I'll start with my Cutco Brotha, Mr. John Dahlgren. It's been a pleasure getting to know you over the past year. I remember meeting you at the division meeting for the first time and think, this dude is WEIRD. And sure enough, I was right on the money. haha I never thought I'd meet somebody that made my sarcasm look non-existent at times. Congrats! You'll be a great SM this summer and Branch Mgr next summer. Most of all, I'm excited that at the end of this next semester, I'll be able to call you my Brother. It's a decision you'll never regret.
Next, is the lovely Miss Jenn Comer. You've been like a sister to me this past year; a sister my own age. Because of our majors we've been able to share similar experiences (fuck j102!) and being Greek has been the biggest link of all. I'm glad I started talking to you more, I can't imagine what things would be like right now without you as involved in my life as you are. I love you, Jenn. I knew you'd make it through all the things you doubted yourself for, but the reason you doubted yourself is because you were always worrying about other people. You are so self-less; you are so giving. That's what makes you beautiful, Jenn. Never change.
Carly, you're next. And you probably won't ever see this, but you have been an inspiration to me this semester. You have had to juggle just as many things as I have this semester, and you've probably handled it better than me. It's always fun having class with you.
Jake Erdely, the face-melter. haha You probably won't read this either, but it has been a great time hanging out all semester. You bring a level of coolness to the fraternity that we were missing. It was a ton of fun planning the Tour De Graves with you this year too. We are DEFINITELY gonna do it this year. You always trying to find the next good time, whether that be a ridiculous email about face melting, how to bum cash from a friend or details of the best new movie out. Next year, you are the party house bud. Get ready!
I also gotta holler at Tony Helvey; always my Greek God! haha You are going to be a leader in this fraternity, a big leader. You are just a man of few words, but that makes no matter. Just keep leading by example. You have a great sense of humor and I must say, AIM convos with you either suck balls or they are the funniest thing of my week. Either way, I'm glad Drew's drunken persuasion was able to lure you to Fiji. Your a good Brother and a better friend.
Lauren Burton. What can I say girl? Best damn RAs in Stu West, baby! As much as you think you turned to me for help and advice, you were just as much of a rock for me. Like Jenn, you've been like a sister to me this year. And MAN have we had a lot of fun! You're a great friend and a damn sexy one at that! ;) I love you, Lauren!
Next, the wittiest guy I know, Mr. Eric Joseph Maroun. You've taken on so much responsibility this year and you've made it look damn easy. Textbook definition of smooth, my friend. Late IM convos, trips to IHOP (sweet jesus) and leading the way in Pie when everbody else blows a goat. Trips around Muncie late at night for, hell, I don't even remember. I think I may laugh more when I'm around you than anybody else. It's like it's just understood that when we are in the same room, we aren't stopping until everybody is laughing, only difference is, you are a typically a witty goofball and I'm just an smartass. Good combination, if I do say so myself. I can't wait to live in the house next semester - our across-the-hall dominance will be felt by all. hahaha, and Mkg 325 should be fun too. Glad to call you a Brother. P!
Jamie. What can I honestly say that that hasn't already been said... by just about everyone. You're a leader. You're a motivator. You're an innovator. You're anything you want to be. You are the most self-motivated person I have ever met in my entire life and I have no doubts that you will eventually be the most successful Brother from the Beta Sigma Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. You are an inspiration. You are one of the main reason I push myself so hard. I know I can't catch up to you, and frankly I don't even try anymore, but you just inspire me to want to do more, to be known, to make a difference, to be a true Fiji. You are going to get that Archon position, I have no doubt. I guarantee you there is not a single person that is a better candidate. I am lucky to have you as a Brother; as a friend. I don't think you realize how appreciated you are by those around you, and especially the ones that care about you the most. You aren't just changing IFC policies. You aren't just changing minds at Ball State. You are changing the lives of your Brothers and friends - and that speaks volumes about you, in and of itself. P!
Probably my best friend, one of my closest Brothers and the guy I feel is more like my real, blood brother than anybody else - Drew. Always looking to hang out and chill, drink a couple beers, get out on the course and fuck around, cruise around Muncie - whatever!... well, whenever you leave Seja's lap. hahaha, just playin man. But that's another thing, I love your girlfriend. We can all hang out and get along, and she likes hanging out with your Brothers. That's important. I must say, I whole-heartedly approve, 100%. Next year in the house though, that is gonna be ridiculous. It's gonna be a non-stop good time. Lookin' forward to it, homeboy! P!
And last, but never least, Manda. You were one of my good friends coming into this year. You are one of my best friends coming out. You are such an amazing person to me. Always questioning, always standing up, always caring. You are so genuine in all that you do. I can't stress enough how much I love being around you - it's either a deep conversation about life, a slap-happy comedy hour, or just a good, long hug. (yours are always the best) You are a beautiful person, in every aspect of the word. I was so proud of you when you won Miss Unity (still am) and I so impressed with your relentlessness. You want change, and by god, you're gonna get it. I love that about you. You have so much to give and so much to offer. You and I have so much in common, yet we are still so different. I feel like I'm always learning from you. It's one thing to just have fun with your friend, but I always feel like I'm taking something away from our talks or from when we hang out. You deserve so many things, I just hope you find what you are looking for and it always makes you happy. You know you can always ask me for anything, call me at any time or stop by to steal a hug. You mean soo much to me, Manda; more than I think you even realize. I hope our relationship continues to grow next year. I have to admit though, I'm REALLY going to miss you this summer. Depending on the issue of course, but every time I needed to vent, or I was upset, or I felt depressed, you were the first person I went to. And you're going to be 6 hours away all summer. However, you are my RTH, so maybe we'll have to live up to the nicknames and visit each other this summer. Either way, I'm still gonna miss you. You have become a woman that your sister and your mom are both very proud of. I love you, Manda.
I know there are people I left out. Some of you I have commented to through email, others through senior recognition and others in person. If I didn't, take a hint - I hate you! Just playin'. I could say something about all of my friend, but that would be a little time consuming. So keep it real this summer and keep in touch. Thanks, guys.
First of all, I'll start with my Cutco Brotha, Mr. John Dahlgren. It's been a pleasure getting to know you over the past year. I remember meeting you at the division meeting for the first time and think, this dude is WEIRD. And sure enough, I was right on the money. haha I never thought I'd meet somebody that made my sarcasm look non-existent at times. Congrats! You'll be a great SM this summer and Branch Mgr next summer. Most of all, I'm excited that at the end of this next semester, I'll be able to call you my Brother. It's a decision you'll never regret.
Next, is the lovely Miss Jenn Comer. You've been like a sister to me this past year; a sister my own age. Because of our majors we've been able to share similar experiences (fuck j102!) and being Greek has been the biggest link of all. I'm glad I started talking to you more, I can't imagine what things would be like right now without you as involved in my life as you are. I love you, Jenn. I knew you'd make it through all the things you doubted yourself for, but the reason you doubted yourself is because you were always worrying about other people. You are so self-less; you are so giving. That's what makes you beautiful, Jenn. Never change.
Carly, you're next. And you probably won't ever see this, but you have been an inspiration to me this semester. You have had to juggle just as many things as I have this semester, and you've probably handled it better than me. It's always fun having class with you.
Jake Erdely, the face-melter. haha You probably won't read this either, but it has been a great time hanging out all semester. You bring a level of coolness to the fraternity that we were missing. It was a ton of fun planning the Tour De Graves with you this year too. We are DEFINITELY gonna do it this year. You always trying to find the next good time, whether that be a ridiculous email about face melting, how to bum cash from a friend or details of the best new movie out. Next year, you are the party house bud. Get ready!
I also gotta holler at Tony Helvey; always my Greek God! haha You are going to be a leader in this fraternity, a big leader. You are just a man of few words, but that makes no matter. Just keep leading by example. You have a great sense of humor and I must say, AIM convos with you either suck balls or they are the funniest thing of my week. Either way, I'm glad Drew's drunken persuasion was able to lure you to Fiji. Your a good Brother and a better friend.
Lauren Burton. What can I say girl? Best damn RAs in Stu West, baby! As much as you think you turned to me for help and advice, you were just as much of a rock for me. Like Jenn, you've been like a sister to me this year. And MAN have we had a lot of fun! You're a great friend and a damn sexy one at that! ;) I love you, Lauren!
Next, the wittiest guy I know, Mr. Eric Joseph Maroun. You've taken on so much responsibility this year and you've made it look damn easy. Textbook definition of smooth, my friend. Late IM convos, trips to IHOP (sweet jesus) and leading the way in Pie when everbody else blows a goat. Trips around Muncie late at night for, hell, I don't even remember. I think I may laugh more when I'm around you than anybody else. It's like it's just understood that when we are in the same room, we aren't stopping until everybody is laughing, only difference is, you are a typically a witty goofball and I'm just an smartass. Good combination, if I do say so myself. I can't wait to live in the house next semester - our across-the-hall dominance will be felt by all. hahaha, and Mkg 325 should be fun too. Glad to call you a Brother. P!
Jamie. What can I honestly say that that hasn't already been said... by just about everyone. You're a leader. You're a motivator. You're an innovator. You're anything you want to be. You are the most self-motivated person I have ever met in my entire life and I have no doubts that you will eventually be the most successful Brother from the Beta Sigma Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. You are an inspiration. You are one of the main reason I push myself so hard. I know I can't catch up to you, and frankly I don't even try anymore, but you just inspire me to want to do more, to be known, to make a difference, to be a true Fiji. You are going to get that Archon position, I have no doubt. I guarantee you there is not a single person that is a better candidate. I am lucky to have you as a Brother; as a friend. I don't think you realize how appreciated you are by those around you, and especially the ones that care about you the most. You aren't just changing IFC policies. You aren't just changing minds at Ball State. You are changing the lives of your Brothers and friends - and that speaks volumes about you, in and of itself. P!
Probably my best friend, one of my closest Brothers and the guy I feel is more like my real, blood brother than anybody else - Drew. Always looking to hang out and chill, drink a couple beers, get out on the course and fuck around, cruise around Muncie - whatever!... well, whenever you leave Seja's lap. hahaha, just playin man. But that's another thing, I love your girlfriend. We can all hang out and get along, and she likes hanging out with your Brothers. That's important. I must say, I whole-heartedly approve, 100%. Next year in the house though, that is gonna be ridiculous. It's gonna be a non-stop good time. Lookin' forward to it, homeboy! P!
And last, but never least, Manda. You were one of my good friends coming into this year. You are one of my best friends coming out. You are such an amazing person to me. Always questioning, always standing up, always caring. You are so genuine in all that you do. I can't stress enough how much I love being around you - it's either a deep conversation about life, a slap-happy comedy hour, or just a good, long hug. (yours are always the best) You are a beautiful person, in every aspect of the word. I was so proud of you when you won Miss Unity (still am) and I so impressed with your relentlessness. You want change, and by god, you're gonna get it. I love that about you. You have so much to give and so much to offer. You and I have so much in common, yet we are still so different. I feel like I'm always learning from you. It's one thing to just have fun with your friend, but I always feel like I'm taking something away from our talks or from when we hang out. You deserve so many things, I just hope you find what you are looking for and it always makes you happy. You know you can always ask me for anything, call me at any time or stop by to steal a hug. You mean soo much to me, Manda; more than I think you even realize. I hope our relationship continues to grow next year. I have to admit though, I'm REALLY going to miss you this summer. Depending on the issue of course, but every time I needed to vent, or I was upset, or I felt depressed, you were the first person I went to. And you're going to be 6 hours away all summer. However, you are my RTH, so maybe we'll have to live up to the nicknames and visit each other this summer. Either way, I'm still gonna miss you. You have become a woman that your sister and your mom are both very proud of. I love you, Manda.
I know there are people I left out. Some of you I have commented to through email, others through senior recognition and others in person. If I didn't, take a hint - I hate you! Just playin'. I could say something about all of my friend, but that would be a little time consuming. So keep it real this summer and keep in touch. Thanks, guys.