How do you say goodbye to a place that has been your everything, the place where you found yourself and the place you meet your absolute best friends? If you have any advice, let me know, but I’ll attempt to do it here.
When I joined WQAQ during my freshman year, I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know that when I walked into those doors what I’d be greeted with — the best thing that would ever happen to me throughout college.
I sort of knew from day one that I wanted to be a part of the radio station. I had heard about it from an accepted students day, and it sounded like the place I had to be and the place where I’d feel welcome, and the place that I can call home.
Four years later, as I get ready to walk across the stage and enter a new chapter of my life, I can say there is nothing better than this radio station and how much gratitude I feel for each and every person that I’ve come in contact with. This place has become my home, and for a kid who grew up doing mock sports shows pretending I was on air, the experiences I’ve gotten have become unforgettable.
I was bright-eyed and full of intrigue as I walked up to the table during the involvement fair during my first semester. From day one, I was met with friendly faces as I got to learn all about what the station has to offer. They didn’t have to offer much before they sold me on the various things that happen within WQAQ. Being able to host my own radio show every week, cover local concerts and connect with fellow people at the meetings has been an absolute pleasure, and it’s something I will miss terribly once I graduate.
The station has become such a special place in my heart, and I don’t know how four years flashed by in the blink of an eye. I’ll miss the camaraderie, the laughs and all the connections I’ve made — and I definitely will miss the couches in the lounge. I’ve had some good naps there.
I never expected to meet so many amazing, creative and talented people who I’d begin to see every Monday night and various times throughout the week if we’re hanging out in the station. That’s what makes this place different — the community you build with people is like no other place on campus.
To this year’s executive board, thank you for an amazing final year and making it the most special one yet. I’ll miss each and every one of you so much, and I can’t wait to see what you continue to accomplish.
A special shoutout to my best friends who I’ve had the absolute honor of meeting through WQAQ, and we quickly formed a bond, and it’s the organization that I have to thank — to Becca Steeves, Lindsey Franco and Mia Daly, I don’t know what I’d do without you guys, and I appreciate your kindness and generosity toward me throughout the years. I wouldn’t want to go through these four years with anybody else.
To another special trio I’ve met through WQAQ that I couldn’t imagine my college life without — Gena McGivney, Riley Moger and Christine Federico. I’m so grateful for our friendship and shared love of music, and our countless laughs and conversations throughout the four years.
The people in WQAQ are my absolute favorite part about this place. There is absolutely nowhere else with friendlier faces than the radio station. No matter if we’ve had hundreds of conversations or just one, thank you all for being an immense source of comfort and making it the best four years of my life.
It’s cliché, but through being in WQAQ for four years, it’s true — it really is the people that make the place. Signing off for one last time, thank you, 98.1 FM, for all the memories. I truly will miss you.
