When I first sat down in front of my computer to begin writing this letter, I had no clue what I would say. Granted, I could say a lot of things, but most of them are completely irrelevant to the topic at hand. After my usual routine of brainstorming, procrastination and brain-picking, I finally had my story.

During his career, Mark Twain spent some time writing journalistically. One newspaper Twain wrote for paid him one dollar per word for each story, which is quite good considering the salary of an average journalist now in modern times. There was one reader of this particular paper who wrote Twain, telling him that he was completely appalled that the newspaper could actually pay him one dollar per word for what he considered to be mediocre writing. He enclosed a dollar bill with his letter, challenging Twain to reply back with a single word that was worth the value of a whole dollar. Twain replied, but not with the type of response the man expected: “Thanks.”

Thanks. A word meaning to express gratitude, appreciation or acknowledgement.There are many people I myself need to say thank you to for their time, support, and help in my four years on the JourNoll staff and my two years as editor.

I will be forever indebted to my family for helping me and supporting me in pursuing my dreams, wherever they may take me.

Thank you to my friends. I have no idea how on earth you put up with me when deadlines are approaching, or just putting up with me in general. Thank you for actually reading the paper in advisory. Most importantly, thanks for being the greatest friends I could ever ask for.

I owe thanks to all of my teachers, but most of all to a few specific ones: Mrs. Conley once said that passion is the essence of life, and that has taught me to never take for granted what I love doing. Mrs. Bates has been the best advisory teacher, and I know I will “get my life together” after the talks I had with her in advisory.

I never knew how much I could despise analytical writing until I took ACP Composition with Mrs. Johnsen, but it was one of the most educationally rewarding experiences I have had. It helped me improve greatly in writing, whether it be journalistically, analytically or creatively.

I have had the privilege of working with some of the most talented staff members in my two years as editor. I would be remiss if I did not thank David and Paul for the immense amount of work they put in last year before they went off to their respective schools in fall 2011. You were a bigger help to me more than you can ever know. I also need to thank Shannon for putting up with me at journalism camp at Ball State over the summer, and Rachel for all she has done for publications.

I also need to thank you, the readers of the JourNoll, because your support has helped build the Publications department to be the greatest Noll has seen.

Last but certainly not least, I owe the utmost gratitude and appreciation to Miss Renwald. She has taught me everything I know about journalism, and it is because of her that I want to continue studying journalism at the collegiate level. She has pushed me to try new things in journalism, and it is because of her drive and our hard work combined that Bishop Noll has live stream sports broadcasts, a Facebook page, a Twitter feed and a professional grade website for the JourNoll.

But most of all, I need to thank these people for helping me through all of my issues, and God knows I’ve had quite a few: the shaky Homecoming 2011 issue, the Halloween issues, Valentine’s issues, the ‘soinding’ issue, the frustrating and nerve wracking Christmas 2011 issue, and now, the Senior Issue. My last issue. It is a bittersweet feeling, this issue. Part of me is screaming, “Yes! It’s finally done!” But another part quietly says, “Oh dang, it’s finally over.” I myself will not have any more issues of the JourNoll, but I know there will be more truly great issues to come.

I wish the best of luck to the new editor-in-chief of the JourNoll, Sergio Valdes. He is one of the most dedicated and talented staff members I have seen in my two years as editor. I know he will do an excellent job of making the JourNoll the best it can possibly be.

Like Twain, I have learned to appreciate the pressures of being a journalist. I’ve learned to accept the criticism that comes with editorial leadership, and it is that criticism–constructive or not–that has helped me learn and grow as a journalist, even if I’m still at a scholastic level. If I were paid a dollar per word for every story I have written for the JourNoll, I could be considered a millionaire. Alas, I am not. Rather, I am rich off of the advice, support and happiness I have gained in my run at Bishop Noll. For that, and for so much more, I thank you.