Well, I have put off writing this letter for as long as I possibly could. Something about writing a “goodbye column” terrifies me – probably because it means that it’s actually happening. I am actually leaving this place that has been my home for the past four and a half years.
When I first showed up at Ouachita, I didn’t think it would be the place for me. My first semester was confusing and, at times, downright lonely. But then I found “my group.” I found the niche where I belonged, and everything else kind of fell into place. In the past four and a half years, I have made friends who will be there for the rest of my life. I have had professors who not only shaped my experience here, but shaped who I am today. I have had experiences that I will never forget, and it’s all because I chose to come to a private Baptist college nestled in the center of Arkansas.
I told myself that by the time I got to this point, I would be so ready and excited to leave that there wouldn’t be any room or time to be sad or scared. I was wrong. Yes, I’m excited to go out and start a new chapter in my life, but in order to do that, I have to turn the page on this current chapter, and I’m hesitant to do that. I’m hesitant because I like this chapter. This chapter has had late nights filled with delirious laughter, Taco Bell runs at two in the morning and friends that have blessed me beyond measure. To think that I’m turning the page on all of that is scary and, yes, sad.
There are people whom I would be amiss not to mention in this letter, as they have made my experience at Ouachita what it has been.
To my fellow editors at the Signal, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I will miss you. Over time, we have become a small, slightly dysfunctional and wonderful family, and I can’t imagine my experience without you guys.
Tanner, you have easily become one of my most trusted and treasured friends here at OBU, and I will always look back fondly on our “old people” dinners at Cracker Barrel and our jam sessions to embarrassing boy bands. It was not only a pleasure to work for you, but a true honor. I will never in my life have another boss who is as wonderful and hilarious as you.
Chelsea, my “adopted daughter,” you have filled my days with smiles and laughter, and your sweet spirit has been an inspiration to me for as long as I have known you. Please don’t ever let this world change how kind, wonderful and faithful you are. I know you and Tebow will have a great life together. (*wink, wink*)
Sam, you are a character. Not only have we become best friends, but I have come to view you very much like a younger brother. I know that you always have my back, and I genuinely look forward to your bear-hugs. You’re a fantastic guy, and I will miss our talks, whether they were heartfelt, or they were about what happened on the last episode of the “Walking Dead.”
Emily, even though we are fairly new friends, I will definitely miss your wonderful wit and hilarious puns. You were a pleasure to work with, and I only wish that we could have worked together longer.
Nicole, I know you aren’t technically a Signal editor, but you’re going on this list anyway, because it’s my list and I do what I want. You and I haven’t been friends for a very long time, but I can honestly say that you have blessed me in so many ways, and I will miss you dearly. You were always there for me with a kind, encouraging word, and your constant love has gotten me through some days when I didn’t think I could. Thank you for being your amazing self.
There are, of course, other friends that have made huge impacts on me and my time here at Ouachita, some of whom graduated before me. Thank you, Leah Garavelli, Emily Davis, Kelli Wilson, Dielle Short, Glenn Bolton, Bethany Ivie, Andrea Lock, Tori Abellera, and Nikki McNair for always supporting me, loving me and reminding me that Christ is always present in everything – especially you guys.
As far as professors go, every single professor I have had the opportunity to learn under has taught me things that have helped shape not only my skills and ideas, but have helped shape who I am as a person. That being said, there are certain professors who I need to thank in this letter, though I am grateful for every single one of you who teach here at this amazing school.
First and foremost is Dr. Deborah Root. Dr. Deb, I have told you before, but I can’t even begin to stress how much you have blessed me. I knew from the very first day of Intro to Mass Comm that you would be someone whom I admired. You were my first class on my very first day of college, and the impression you left me with has been one that has lasted until now and will continue to last. Through my years here, I have had the great honor of being taught by you in a number of classes, and I have learned so much from you. Even outside of class, you have encouraged me, loved me and supported me without end. You and Mr. Dr. Root have become my parents away from home, and I am so thankful for everything you do and everything you are. You are beautiful inside and out, and I strive to be like you one day. Thank you for all you have done for me.
Dr. Jeff Root, though I have never had a class with you (I’m still not sure how that happened!), you have always treated me as though I was part of the family. You never cease to make me laugh, and I knew from the moment you first threw candy at my face that you were someone I wanted to be around. Thank you for always supplying the Signal with many laughs and good snacks.
Dr. Jess Kelly, I might have only had you for one class, but you are one of the most amazing professors I’ve had. I still remember the day I came to you, worried about a grade on a test, and you told me something I will never forget. You told me that my worth as a person had nothing to do with the grade on the paper, and that is something that has helped me tremendously since. It’s rare to see a professor who genuinely loves his students as much as you do and someone who will fight for his students like you. Even when I was struggling with your class and was ready to give up, you got me back in the game and made sure I tried as hard as I could. You’re a fantastic teacher and a fantastic person altogether.
Like I said, every professor I have had has taught me something, but a special thanks goes out to Dr. Casey Motl, Tiffany Eurich, Rebecca Jones, Dr. Johnny Wink, Sally Dann, Dr. Raouf Hallaby, Julia Jones and Dr. Dave Ozmun.
So, there you have it. I could literally go on for days about how much this place, this school and these people have impacted me in the course of four and a half years. And while it’s terrifying and heart-wrenching to leave my home away from home, I know that this isn’t really goodbye. I will continue to keep in touch with the people I have grown to love (I even have a Christmas movie marathon planned with a certain Signal Editor-in-Chief), and I know that, as cheesy as it sounds, Ouachita will always be home to me, and I know that it isn’t going anywhere.
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – Winnie the Pooh
Sincerely,
Tarah Elliott
I am so incredibly proud of this young lady. It is indescribably satisfying to see someone grow into more than they ever thought they could be and to know in my heart that she has merely scratched the surface of greatness that is certain to come to her soon. It is inspirational to see her dig into the depths of her heart and find strength in times of challenge, to find victory in the face of adversity and to live fully every day with an infectious smile that lights up the world. Although I am certain to shed tears when she leaves us soon, those are mix of selfish tears that we will no longer see her daily, but also tears of joy which are celebrating a wonderful time together and tears of pride which are shared in advance of accomplishments yet to come. God speed dear Tarah Elliott. You take all of us with you wherever you go and have blessed us by your decision to come to Ouachita.