Letter from the Editor

A farewell

By Marisa Kratochvil
Editor-in-Chief

While back home in Chicago over Easter break, I came across a booklet, in the form of a family photo album, which Monmouth College had sent me during my senior year in high school. Flipping through the pages, it showed “Move-in” day, freshmen orientation, students in class, the campus and, finally, graduation. Looking back, it seems like yesterday I was seated on Wallace Lawn for Matriculation. I remember looking around and thinking, “This is my class and I know no one.”

Now, as a senior, I can proudly say that I pretty much know every person in my graduating class, on some level, whether personally or as acquaintances. In addition, I remember President Giese up at the podium saying, “The next time you will all be seated here is at your Commencement Ceremony.”

To think these words were only spoken a mere four years ago and now, here I am, ready to become a Monmouth alum in a little over a week. I grew up here among the corn and soy bean fields mixed with the lovely smell of Farmland, or the dog food plant, whichever one was running that day.

When I came here, I was a naïve freshman and wanted to become a geneticist and live in HT. Boy, was I off target! It was here at Monmouth where I found my path in life. It’s odd to think that I have spent the last four years of my life living here; and now, I will be placed back into the “real world” and experience job offers, lunch breaks, traffic jams and bills. College life has been a rewarding experience for me and I could not have asked for better.

While at Monmouth, I gained more than I had anticipated. For one, my girls. These ladies entered my life for a reason and I am grateful. All I know is that after graduation the only difference between us will be the space. I can’t yell down the hall to them or just pop in as I pass by. Each one of them has helped make me a better person, a better friend.

Other aspects of college I cannot forget are the professors and administration. The people I have come in contact with over the years have made an impression on me. From the ho-hum chit-chats in their office to 55 minute lectures to them simply saying “Hi, how are you?” as we passed, it all made the difference. I thank them all for guiding me. It’s going to be strange not coming back in the fall, or in late summer for recruitment, for that matter. Now when I return I will be an alum, from the outside looking in; and instead of living here, I will be a visitor.

I did not understand why the booklet I received four years ago was like a family photo album, but now it all makes sense. Monmouth has become my second family and, as I leave, not only Monmouth but from the paper, I am proud to say that I am a part of the Monmouth family.

Thank you all for taking the time to read the newspaper, while offering both criticism and praise. I took it all in; it has been a great learning experience. I am also proud of the college and where it is today. Good luck to President Ditzler and the rest of the college community. I know I will be proud of where Monmouth is in another four years.