I remember when I first walked into The Channels lab. I was late, laid-back and lost in translation.

A year later, I don’t think I’ve ever felt more at home.

The Editor-in-Chief always writes a goodbye column saying how talented everyone is, but at this point, I think it’s obvious. Anyone who is willing to put hours of effort into writing while receiving little recognition and minimal pay must be a talented beast.

But if you’re talking about quality individuals, well, The Channels has that too. In the last year, we dealt with births, deaths, break-ups, meltdowns, hookups and screw-ups and somehow managed to look each other in the eyes even after tears, slurs and swears.

What more could you ask for in a person besides someone who will edit you at your best and accept you for your worst?

We don’t choose whom we spend 30-plus hours a week with, but any other combination of people would just seem wrong.

I’ll begin with the woman who handed me the Editor-in-Chief baton, Gaby, the Swedish-Polish minx. We’ve been scooped together and we hit journalistic success together, but as News Editor, I couldn’t imagine a better person. Whether you were at the throats of department heads, board members, or vice presidents, you handled it with a tenacity that I will forever strive to match.

My dear Jen, between dancing, singing and crying, you managed to work three jobs and crank out brilliant copy for the features section. I am so excited to watch your unique personality sparkle in years to come.

Caitlin, I can’t wait to meet the lucky person who eventually gets to put a ring on your ever-moving fingers. I will sincerely miss the oddities that you bring to day-to-day life. You are truly an individual. Don’t ever change.

Oh, Cody. I’m so hard on you because someone needs to bridle your endless enthusiasm. Your go-getter attitude leaves me no doubt that you’re going to do whatever you want in life. I hope you never lose your fantastic demeanor.

Øystein, you are such a delight to know. Hands down the funniest individual with the sexiest voice I’ve ever heard. You’re an amazing graphic designer and photographer, and your work ethic is legendary.

The only sane person on staff was Dan. Thanks for putting up with us. You’re a hell of a writer, and I know your passion will take you wherever you want to go.

James, you’re insane, and I absolutely love it. You’ve talked me off the edge so many times; I honestly don’t know what I would do without you.  It kills me to know that you wont be there to light up my every day.

Palmer and Patricia, thank you for tolerating my constant immaturity. I wish that through my entire life, all I had to do was roll my chair three feet backwards and have all my questions answered. It’s refreshing to work with such talented, intelligent women. And don’t worry; you’re not rid of me just yet.

I won’t say goodbye because I’ll be damned if this is the last time I ever hear from you. But I will say best of luck, and I truly envy every future individual who gets to know you all as well as I have.