Issue date: 5/11/09 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Battalion file photo Nicole Alvarado, editor in chief fall 2008 to spring 2009 [Click to enlarge]

Even though today is my last day as the editor-in-chief of The Battalion, I will never stop caring about our newspaper or our campus. What affects one affects all, and it is our responsibility to share this with everyone else.

This year, like every one before it, has had its fair share of ups and downs. From student-administration contests to helicopter crashes to a new Collie on campus, I think it's safe to say that there has been at least one event this year that has touched every single student.

It is my pride and pleasure to say that we at The Battalion have done our very best to cover these topics as quickly, efficiently and fairly as possible. We strove to make ourselves accessible and prioritize our studies with our jobs - our passions, really.

I don't want my last editorial to serve as a laundry list of all our successes and failures. Chances are, half of you won't agree with us anyway. And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. Every comment - big or small, curt or verbose, irate or appreciative - we sincerely appreciate everything you have to say. Without you, there would be no us.

Never stop caring. This is one of the most impassioned campuses I've seen yet. Even if students may not agree with one another, I don't ever see anyone afraid to stand up for what they believe in or speak out on behalf of their beliefs or morals. Sure, we may not be perfect, but who is? Who's to say what the definition of societal perfection is, anyway?

We should take the lessons we've learned from campus events and incidents and use them. We should remember all the good things we have accomplished and how far we have come, in addition to all the occurrences that have set us back. Every school has a reputation to overcome; a stereotype that gets harder to shake with each passing year. Every year is commendable for one reason or another. The good, the bad, the memorable, the preferably forgettable - every event, we claim them all.

If you are new to this school, no matter what type of person you consider yourself, embrace the culture of Aggieland. It's a unique landscape of individuality, despite whatever preconceptions one might have had coming into it. Utilize each other and the bounty of resources available because never again will you have an opportunity like this one.

Upon my entrance into Texas A&M, I think "apprehensive" would be a considerate way of expressing my emotions. After three years, I can honestly say that I look forward to returning to College Station each fall. I may not be the most red-ass student around, but I take great pride in this school and my peers. Unlike many schools that tout their diversity and technological advances like prized show ponies, at least our students stand for something. And stand solidly, with both feet on the ground. Unshakeable, avid in our beliefs.

As for the returning students, if we just stand united - as brethren of a common community, as kin - I truly believe we can overcome anything. Keep on fighting, Aggies.

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