This isn't easy.
In fact, there's nothing easy about this whole graduation thing. I wish we could all make like 90210 and redo our sophomore year.
But truthfully, it's not the places that are going to be hard to let go. I'd be fine if we all just relocated to New York (err... Boston). And trust me, I would be perfectly content to never again set foot in DRL.
What I'm having trouble with is saying goodbye to the people.
It's always been the people. That's why I first joined DPOSTM.
I wanted the ability to interview athletes and coaches, to get to know the stories behind the faces, the students under the uniforms. I wanted the behind-the-scenes insight and info that only a press pass can give you.
And in my time here, that's what I've tried to do. It wasn't easy, and it meant putting in that extra effort -- going to practices, showing up to every game, letting the team know I was more than just a voice on the phone.
But the work paid off. The more comfortable you are with a team, the more athletes open up to you. And I've got some great quotes from the past four years as proof.
In the end though, a reporter can only get the story if the team lets her. I've been lucky to have met and covered some truly wonderful people, those student-athletes who make you want to keep writing about them.
So thank you to Will, Jamie, Pete, Jordan, Brett, Rob, Eric, Fanda, Brian, Alex, Kevin, Ryan and Bandele for taking the time to return and answer the endless questions. You made my job a pleasure.
As for the other major source of information, the coaches, there is one who stands out. Former men's tennis head man Gordie Ernst is that rare coach who will let you in, give you the truth and take his team to task in front of a reporter.
The athletes and coaches are why I started writing.
But looking back, what I got was so much more.
The memories are incredible:
Four years of Penn Relays (and moments with Inger, Maurice and A.I.).
Weekends at Murphy Field, cheering on the baseball team (and our favorite closer).
Three years of DPOSTM superiority in the Kamin Cup (58-0, anyone?).
And who can forget the banquets, the parties and the endless nights of drinking (Note to mom: drinking = Bible study).
But throughout all the memories, there's one common thread -- the DP staff.
I signed up as a reporter, but I walk away as part of a family.
To the 116th and 117th --ÿAfter four years, I'm still amazed that we put together a paper every night, occasionally even before deadline. It's a tribute to all of you that we did it so well. You made me believe in the power and beauty of the DP, and I thank you for the best years of my life.
To Josh and Kent, who reeled me in, and to Eric and Rick who made me want to keep coming back -- you'll never know how much you've changed my life.
Jason -- you were truly the boss. You gave me something to strive for and someone to look to for guidance. The eeping and Bevin were just an added bonus.
Dave -- you've truly grown before my eyes. You are so capable, and I know great things await you. Keep smiling and keep writing.
Amy, D-Mac and Lance -- the future of DPOSTM is in your hands. Always remember that our section is about the people -- both in the office, and on the field. Find the athletes and tell their stories. And never forget the century of excellence that precedes you.
Will, Jesse, Sub, McLaughlin, R, Rhonda, Emily, Hindo, Bender, Dan, Kenny, Amit, Barnhorst, Dubes, Devin, et al. -- I wish I could put into words what working with you has meant. But I can't even begin. Thank you.
To the future of the DP and DPOSTM: Be true to yourselves, the community and your sources. Go after the stories. Take pride in the details. And always remember to have fun.
There are so many people I wish I could thank more personally. People already mentioned who have become my anchors and lifelong friends. You know who you are and know that I love you.
In the end, it all comes down to this. Four years. It's been a long, windy road.
Thank you for sharing in my journey.
Jessica "Tuch" Tuchinsky is a 2002 College graduate from Great Neck, N.Y., and former Daily Pennsylvanian Copy Editor and Associate Sports Editor.
