Is nothing sacred?

A former fellow Optimist staffer wrote his own 'Freshman' column. I actually tried to help out, editing it and highlighting areas where the piece could have been stronger. He really didn't take my advice. Kids.

Of course, I was reminded of my own 'Freshman' column, which isn't good -- just infamous. (You'll notice the similarities in our columns.) The aforementioned staffer told me yesterday he heard someone talk about it in conjunction with his. Sigh. But at least that reminds me that for two years, I had an amazing opportunity to share my opinions, not having ever earned a right to, to the student body and university community -- an opportunity I'd give anything to have again, though now with a different audience.

The best hate e-mail I received was from a girl who told me that I, along with her R.A., had ruined her first two weeks of college. Awesome. What cut me to the core was people's confusion on the *note at the bottom, where I was explaining where "I Am the Enemy" came from -- my favorite movie, Almost Famous. For each letter I received from an 18-year-old calling me cynical and signing their anonymous rant "The Already Famous Freshman," "The Nearly Famous Freshman," "The Will Never Be Famous Freshman," etc, a piece of my heart broke. Kids.

My "Best Columnist" plaque I received at the end of the year, which actually said "Best Columnists," still hasn't been corrected. Who knows if I'll get it back. That time is over, and it's time to move on, but I guess it's just not that easy.

I don't want to stop being a kid.

I get to be in charge of my own entertainment page beginning Thursday, mug shot, bylines and all. We'll see how it goes, and I can't express how excited I am. It's time for a change of scene.

P.S. I think this cartoon is funny, especially knowing the cartoonist. Don't think I can't see Godzilla in the background and what appears to be the word "Simpsons," Cole. Glad to know you haven't changed.