As is tradition for this column at the end of a semester, I will be taking this space to offer reflections on the past semester as opposed to reviewing a coffee shop. I am, however, still writing this in a coffee shop (Delanie’s on Carson Street, for those curious), so it does still count.

In the words of experimental hip-hop group Injury Reserve: “Wwhat a year it’s been.” So much happened, both in my personal life, in my academic career, and in the world around me that I really need to just take a minute here to get some thoughts out. I hope that folks who were hoping for a traditional review this week will accept this column for what it is.

This year, I had the distinct privilege of serving as the Editor-Elect of the Globe, which was an incredible experience. It was also very difficult, but that difficulty was a learning experience. I am incredibly grateful to the entire staff of this paper, who have worked so hard. Their dedication and love of their craft has inspired me in ways no classroom ever could. Above all else, I would like to thank Editor-In-Chief Amanda Andrews, who has been both a mentor and a friend. This newspaper would not be what it is without her, and I am especially grateful for the compassionate atmosphere she helped foster amongst staff. The journalism industry, and even the atmosphere at The Globe, can be incredibly hostile and negative, but Amanda treated and encouraged everyone to act with kindness, which is so important.

On the subject of kindness, I’d like to give a huge shout out to the five people who I lived with this year. At the start of this year, I knew the people in the room to varying degrees, and two of them I had never met before in my entire life. That, on paper, is a recipe for disaster. What ended up happening was that I got to know some of the most incredible people in my life. I’d like to give a huge shoutout to all five of them, and thank them for the incredible memories. Some stand-out memories include going to see the movie “Venom: Let Their Be Carnage,” singing along to ourto the our vinyl seven inch copy of the 1978 Steelers Fight Song and celebrating Bagel Tuesdays together. The thing I will remember the most, however, is the weeks-long Nerf war we have been having, which, as of the time of writing this, has yet to reach a conclusion.

Lastly, and here’s the big thing: I’d like to thank everyone at Point Park, even the people who aren’t so great. Anytime I ask someone what they like about Point Park they always respond, without fail, “the people.” That is because, for the most part, everyone here is so incredible and talented. You guys rock, seriously.

I hope that everyone can walk away from this semester with a renewed sense of self-worth and feel ready to tackle the next chapter in their lives. I know I am. To everyone finishing this semester, I’d like to leave some words of advice from Michelangelo (the Ninja Turtle, not the painter); “Forgiveness is divine, but never pay full price for late pizza.”