Most blogs, which have actual “reputations,” will provides lists of the top 10 news stories, albums, movies, photos, etc. at the end of each year. They have that covered really well, though, which leaves me with the only thing I’m an expert on: me. (It’s an and up-and-coming, although narrow, field.) So, in roughly chronological order, here’s what goes through my head when I think of 2011 – including the constant attempts at humor and quips, I’m sorry to say.
2011: An Abridged Reflection That’s Probably Missing a Lot of Components (But There Are Pictures!)
+++ My last semester at LMU began with the new year, which also meant my last semester with the Los Angeles Loyolan, LMU’s student-run newspaper, did too. My last major duty as editor in chief was to coordinate the Loyolan’s annual First Amendment Week, which gave me several ulcers but ended up being completely worth it because the week was hugely successful and also fun. Our keynote was John Legend, who at the end of his keynote sang a 10-song set. I’m sure everyone listened to his keynote as intently as they listened to his concert.
This is perhaps the most awkward photo that John Legend has ever been a part of. Would you believe me if I told you that Legend is at the far left?
Oh, one of the best parts of this week was that I got to dress up for the events. What does that say about me? Do not answer that.
This is me IN YET ANOTHER SUIT moderating one of the First Amendment Week events. I forget which one. But look at that suit.
We also got Joel Stein to come and give a talk, which was a big deal for me because you might have noticed that I flatter the bejeezus out of him with my writing style, as imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I’m still trying to figure out when that becomes plagiarism. He signed a program for me and wrote me a note that said, in part, “Thanks for being so gay for me. Now leave me alone.” I framed it.
For once, I am not the funniest person in a photo. (Just trying to think of captions that will make my readers hate me.)
When May rolled around, it was time to graduate – but first I had to say goodbye to the Loyolan staff, office and adviser. (It was easiest to say goodbye to office, in retrospect.) As the outgoing editor in chief, per tradition, I was the subject of the paper’s final “11 Burning Questions” segment, in which I embarrassed myself by asking new editor in chief Kenzie O’Keefe if I could add a question to her list of questions when she was done. She left the part where I asked to add a question in there. When nobody was looking, I shed a few tears because the Loyolan had been my favorite part of LMU.
SINCERE CAPTION: You're all the best. FOR THOSE NOT IN THE KNOW: The blank card was so we could Photoshop words onto there and make it look like the Loyolan staff was holding a sign that said, for instance, "The 'L' is for 'Loyolan,' not 'Loser'!"
