"Do you believe in something beautiful? Then get up and be it." - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists

When I began writing for The Crown in September 2006, it was more for a resource to hone my writing, and a way to get some much-needed published clips, which as anyone in the journalism field can tell you, is pretty much the only way to get a job or internship as a reporter.

In the end, I can say that my efforts got me exactly where I wanted to be. After a year-long internship process, I'm now a full-time staff writer for The Citizens' Voice. And even after working an eight-hour shift at The Voice on Wednesdays, I still stop by The Crown office to hang out and help with what I can during layout night.

I don't do that as a way to further my career or skills set anymore. I do that because it feels like home. I do that because I can't imagine what next Wednesday is going to feel like without putting out a Crown. I do it because I've made the some of the closest friends I have at King's through this paper.

I do it because I couldn't fathom missing out on Smurf's singing and random antics, Larry's waiting-on-quotes, Sara's less-than-ladylike outbursts when a page crashes, Kasey's great office decorations and chocolate-covered Oreo buying, and so much more.

I do it because when I was frustrated about the terrible parking situation at King's this year, I got to write an editorial about it. Even though the problem exactly hasn't been solved yet , it made me feel better to write about it. And when I was frustrated about Valentine's Day, I got to write about that too. See? The Crown listens more than a boyfriend would anyway.

But I especially still go to the Crown office on Wednesdays because (as much as I complained about being there sometimes - let's face it, we all did) I truly love it there, and why wouldn't I go to work somewhere I love? Sappy, but true. And here's some more sappy stuff to end on: I hope everyone in the Class of 2008 (best class in King's history, it's now in the paper, so of course it has to be true) will love their future jobs as much as I loved going to The Crown. To those of you who still have some time left here, enjoy it, even if you don't think you want to. Trust us, you do. Also, think about joining The Crown. You won't regret it.

And if you believe in something beautiful, it's up to you to make it happen.