This is goodbye

Sometimes writing columns reminds me of a quote from Forrest Gump: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.”

You’re never certain when you write a column what the reaction will be. Sometimes you’re met with genuine appreciation. Sometimes laughter. More often you’re called an idiot.

Occasionally there’s real outrage. People have no problem telling you you’re an insult to humanity after reading something you spent hours painstakingly researching, writing and editing.

Over the years, I’ve tried to welcome all of it — the good and the bad. At times, it’s a frustratingly thankless job. In the end, however, it’s been worth it. I’ve truly loved having the opportunity to be part of the IDS editorial board.

It has pushed me to not just keep up on all the news but to really analyze everything I read. Each time I flip through a newspaper or check out Paul Krugman’s blog, I wonder what kind of column I could write with that information. I even pay more attention in class; I think about how a lecture could fit into my writing.

It has also taught me how to both take and give criticism. When I first started writing columns, I was nervous about being published. What if people don’t like it? I was scared to speak up in editorial board meetings. Other writers had been there a long time; they must be more informed than me!

Two years later, I know I’m right and I don’t give a shit what you think.

In all seriousness, this job has taught me how to be bold and unapologetic about my opinions. It has given me the confidence to be critical of others when I think they’re wrong. And it has also taught me how to cope with having my intelligence insulted hundreds of times via online commentary, e-mails and even phone calls.

So I’m not walking away with a huge paycheck (you’re stunned, I’m sure). But I am walking away with a lot more than money.

Sure, I could have done much more enjoyable things on Sunday mornings than column writing — namely, sleeping. But I had the chance to do something I really enjoyed, and that’s pretty rare.

Moreover, I’m now fully prepared for a career in the humanities: I’ve realized I am actually capable of living off spaghetti in order to work a fun yet less-than-minimum-wage-paying job.

So my cheesy parting words for you are these: Do what you love, and love what you do.

Don’t sit through some organization’s boring meeting just to write something on your resume. Make the effort to search for an extracurricular activity you actually want to do, something that gets you excited. On a campus as diverse as IU’s, you’ll be sure to find it. Step out of your comfort zone.

Well, this is it. Love me or hate me, my columns are gone for good. You might just find yourself slightly lonely during your Monday classes next year.

I wish you the best in your endeavors, whatever they might be. I sincerely thank you for reading.
 

E-mail: akames@indiana.edu