I started off college as a Jayhawk.

I walked into my first college class, Biology 101, in Budig 100 on the University of Kansas campus where 999 other students surrounded me in an auditorium.

I squinted to get a glimpse of what my professor actually looked like because there was no way I was sitting any closer than the fifth row from the top.

I jumped when my professor, whose name I barely even remember, tapped on the microphone to get class started.

My eyes widened as his picture, alongside his lecture notes, appeared on three big screens at the front of the “classroom.”

Needless to say, there weren’t any first-day-of-class introductions.

I never got to know my professor. And, I didn’t get to know very many students in my class.

I started off my second year of college as a Wildcat.

I walked into my first Baker class, Writing for Mass Media I, in Pullium 200 where a handful of other students surrounded me in a small classroom with curtains stuffed with newspaper.

I didn’t have to squint to get a look at my professor, Dave Bostwick, as he stood less than 15 feet in front of me.

No microphones needed to be used, and the only thing the screen at the front of the room was used for was a PowerPoint.

A year after starting college, I finally got to partake in first-day-of-class introductions.<br/>I got to know Dave and almost all my other Baker professors on a personal level. And, some of the students who sat with me in my first class at Baker are now my best friends.I got to know Dave and almost all my other Baker professors on a personal level. And, some of the students who sat with me in my first class at Baker are now my best friends.
I got to know Dave and almost all my other Baker professors on a personal level. And, some of the students who sat with me in my first class at Baker are now my best friends.

When I walked out of Pullium in August of 2007, I knew my decision to transfer to Baker was the right one.

That thought was solidified over the next six semesters when professors like Gwyn Mellinger and Carolyn Doolittle truly listened and cared when they were needed. When professors like Joe Watson and Jenn Jarnot made class fun and exciting.

What really solidified my decision, however, were the ever-lasting friends and memories that were made at Baker: in the Baker Orange newsroom, in Case 206, in the Wildcat Café and in countless other places across campus.

The most prominent of those places, though, and the place I consider a second home, is the newsroom.

I was conned into joining The Baker Orange my second semester here and have been on staff ever since. And, I can honestly say I wouldn’t trade the opportunity for anything else in the world.

I’ve spent countless numbers of hours working at the fourth computer from the left surrounded by people who make me laugh and understand the hard work, dedication and passion that goes into this weekly publication.

Kyle and I have tortured Margo about hyphenation.

Lauren and I have repeatedly called each other names that others might find offensive.

I’ve enjoyed country classics with Jessica.

I’ve listened to Pat blast Easy-E on his computer.

I’ve discussed what people resemble Mr. Incredible and Bryan Greenberg with Chris.

I’ve belted Britney Spears and Lizzie McGuire with Rachel.

And Kyle and I have recited thousands of movie lines with one another.

Although I’m not graduating until December – I student teach in the fall – these are the memories that I will no longer get to enjoy every Wednesday night while the paper is being put together.

These are the memories that I will truly cherish forever.

These are the memories that make me happy I’ll be leaving college a Wildcat