I told a guy I know that I would be writing my last works for the Houstonian and his response shocked me. He said, “What am I going to read now? Your pieces always added a smile to my days. I’m going to miss them.”
For the past four years of my life, I have spent more time in the newsroom than in the classroom. Girlfriends, friends, troubles and struggle came and went, but when I woke up in the morning I knew I had the Houstonian. I never cared much for frat life, and despised the senseless meetings that campus organizations would require me to attend. So I wrote. I wrote about music and movies and won first place at TIPA. I wrote sensational satires called Mad Brad, because most media outlets would rather remind us of the world’s evils.
The following people are godsends to my life, that must be noted.
Shawn Farrell- You showed me that a bathroom break is the quickest solution to any journalistic bind on deadline day. Thanks for taking a chance on kid with an afro and a heart full of fire.
Jack Ivy- The Anomaly. Wherever you may be.
Rachael Gleason- You never let anything I did distract you from your journalistic duties, and that’s why you’re the most solid journalist I know. I could learn a thing or two from you.
Christi Laney- You’re my pristine “Baptist” girl, that despite whatever demeaning and unsavory events took place you maintained your clean Christian demeanor, and offered sound doctrine. God bless you.
Kristin Edwards- You noticed my skills as an entertainment writer, and referred me for my first official position, Thanks doll.
Katelyn Murphy- My wife. My boss. My heart. Even though you left me, and are now engaged, I still love you. Congrats.
Jenny Swenson- Don’t let anyone keep your character down. You’re you, and people can kiss it if they don’t like it.
Daniel Flores- Dr. Zhivago
Bryan Honeycutt- You came up with “Mad Brad” to match the nature of my work. Thanks. Money Money.
Brittany P and H- You guys are young, and have put up with my management skills for a semester. You’re ready for anything now.
Tammie Nokes- You possess the organization and character to keep the Houstonian fiscal affairs in order. Any financial woes we had accrued will not be there.
Thomas Boydston- You’re omniscience goes unmatched, good sir. This is Bowie to Bowie. Hippie.
Lotus, Joe, Heath, and Kevin- You cats are going to have to step up the testosterone in the office now that I’m leaving. Never let the girls tell you it’s wrong to judge people through the office windows, when you think of me, pass gas. Also, Heath, I am not sorry for my flatulence in bed during TIPA. You slept with the best, good sir.
Meagan Ellsworth- You Brilliant Blonde. You’ve edited the greatest columnist that ever lived. You can do anything.
Katelyn Darcy- You are the comma to my run-on sentence.
Kristina “Suarez” Salazar- You are the Latina in my cantina.
Ms. Z- The Farmhouse Phenom. You’re the sponge that absorbs all of the disdain people have for the Houstonian. Rock on. Rock hard.
Mike Blackman- I have no excuses for writing poorly constructed articles after your class. I salute you, good sir.
Tiffany Cochran- The source behind my feature pieces. You’ve provided me with enough CDs to start my own collection, and enough artist interviews to start my career. Thank you.
Gustie, La Dean, and Mrs.Cooper- You are the ladies of my life. Besos.
If you ever got a smile out of anything I wrote, then I did my job, and if you didn’t, you should get a cast for your funny bone before you take life too seriously. I don’t care what you think about the world, what matters is God and our ability to find pieces of ourselves in everyone despite what differences we may have. If you can’t mix that in with your degrees and finals then you’ve failed the real test. Heal people with sincerity in whatever field you choose, and don’t waste your college career at quarter night.
I love you. God bless you. TTYL
Lord Bradley Matthew Yuki Seu Basker
