So my time is up. I have to go find a real job in a real office with (hopefully) a real salary with benefits. But first, I was given practically unlimited space to write whatever I want.

First off, I will miss everyone at the Sunflower and the things I’ve learned there — which is a lot.

 So, I figure the best way to say goodbye is to talk about the unconventional wisdom I have gained from working at your friendly campus newspaper.

1. Being a “backpack reporter” sometimes literally means hiking your backpack full of textbooks to all your stories.

2. Student Government is way more exciting (yet hopeful) than Washington.

3. Don’t anger international students, college deans or elderly.

4. University police are right on campus, yet really hard to get a hold of (unless it’s an emergency).

5. Always keep extra clothes in your car. Sometimes news happens in the rain.

6. Never plan on anything because the news plans nothing but to conspire against your plans.

7. Procrastination eats souls.

8. At the Sunflower, deadlines are like pirate rules. They’re more like “guidelines.”

9. You will find yourself laughing about the most horribly dark things. Forgive yourself often.

10. The only people who read SGA stories are SGA members. But they really, really care.

11. Stories are everywhere on campus. Especially three hours before deadline.

12. Every editor needs an editor. That editor needs an editor, too.

13. It doesn’t matter how many editors you have. Mistakes will be made.

14. Pizza makes everything just a little bit better.

15. Alarm clocks work. Unless you’re really tired, which is always.

16. See your advisor more often than you think you should.

17. Carry more notebooks and pens than you think you need. They’ll fill up fast. Or you’ll lose them.

18. People will get mad at you. That’s OK.

19. Everyone is just as busy as you, even though you may think that’s impossible. Plan interviews accordingly.

20. Respect caffeine.

I’ve loved my adventure here and hope to find more in whatever happens next.

I will always be writing, no matter what happens in the next few years.

I’ll keep in touch — even with you SGA folks.