If there’s one thing I hate more than Two and a Half Men (seriously, are they feeding the cast crazy juice from a large carafe or something?), it’s saying goodbye. Unfortunately, as much as I implore those around me to “never ever leave me” on a near-daily basis, life keeps happening and we all have to move on sometimes. And so, I must touch on the end-of-semester abandonment-induced blues.
At a place like Douglas College, moving on with speedy efficiency seems to be most people’s goal. Despite being recently named a dual sending and receiving institution by the British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer, many programs at Douglas still encourage people to use their time at the college only for beginning or upgrading their credentials—i.e. in and out within a few months or years.
So, while we may spend days in intense quarters with certain people over the course of a semester, commiserating over the same stressors that seem to be the most important thing ever, the time inevitably comes to an end and we move on. Usually, we tell each other that nothing will change, and that we’ll stay just as close, but more often than not, the deep, passionate friendships that we forge as we strive towards common academic goals become little more than fond memories once we move on to the next class or school or job.
The Other Press faces a few sad goodbyes as our semester comes to a close—with our social wizard PR Manager, our so-hip-it-shouldn’t-be-legal Life & Style Editor, and our artistically gifted Illustrator all moving on to new and bold ventures. Over the years, I’ve worked with these people closely on many projects, and while I’m thrilled that they’re all following their dreams, it’s bittersweet to imagine The Other Press without them.
To those that are leaving: you will be missed. To those that will be joining us next semester: I can’t wait to meet you. And, to all the staff, contributors, and readers of The Other Press: thanks for the memories, and I’ll see you next year.
SHARON MIKI
