Here we go again: one last column
Will Kooi
Editor-in-Chief
Well, I did it. I’m graduating college. Now, here’s where I could get all sentimental and say things like, “I am going to miss OC,” and, “Hasn’t it been fun?” and, “Oklahoma Christian changed me from a boy to a man.” But I’m not really the weepy kind, and I still look like I’m 16.
Or I could go the nostalgic editor-in-chief route. That entails reminiscing about the “long hours spent in the office” and the “ink left on my hands every Friday.” Of course I have to mention my “wonderful staff” and thank my “dedicated writers”, and “wish I could do it all over again.” But I actually want people to read my column, so I’m scrapping that. Plus, I’m not a liar (but really, thanks guys).
But seriously, it’s been fun. And I’m not talking about just the “Talon”. Oklahoma Christian has been fun, beneficial and a major milestone in my life. Four years ago I was a wide-eyed high school senior who thought he was funny and didn’t know what he wanted to do with his life. Four years later, I’m exactly the same.
But OC has changed me in other ways. For one, I’m smarter than before, at least I should be. That’s the usual progression of these things I suppose. Therefore, I think my goodbye shall be in the form of some sage advice. From: me. (I apologize there’s not someone better.) First off: pay attention to the world around you.
There is so much going in the world beyond our OC Bubble. I think my biggest complaint about OC is the almost apathetic outlook on world events. Most people are not aware of what is going on out there. Looking at the headlines for just this week, we have elections in Sudan, renewed bombings in Northern Ireland, protests in Thailand and Krygyzstan, and troubles in the European Catholic Church. Even in the United States, there is bank fraud, impending Wall Street reform and shootings across the country. It may all seem so far away, but it matters.
If you think stuff out there doesn’t affect you, think again. Just look at the one volcano in Iceland that disrupted the rest of Europe’s flight plans and economy, and subsequently, business and travel in the United States and the rest of the world. Just one small volcano on an island nation thousands of miles away will have repercussions rippling across days and weeks, across countries and continents. It is all connected and interweaving – Circle of Life, yada yada yada. What’s out there matters. Pay attention to it.
My second piece of advice comes from Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
That is my favorite verse in the entire Bible. It is pretty self-explanatory, although hard to live out. Putting all your faith in God is hard; trusting he has your life under control is hard. Especially for college graduates who don’t have jobs or money or spouses or places to live or…. It gets overwhelming. I’m overwhelmed. But the only thing I can hang onto is that verse, and the knowledge that God has my life under control. I trust he has yours as well.
And that’s about it. I’m writing my last words as “Talon” editor. I know most of you who think I’m the liberal media will be glad to see me gone, but I pray I’ve led the “Talon” in a good direction and provided open conversation, regardless of my views. I want to thank Dr. Patterson for giving me this opportunity and gently leading me. He is one of the biggest assets to this campus and I feel lucky to have spent most of my time here in his classrooms.
And here come more thank-you’s: thanks to my parents, who made me who am I today and who are just as confounded about my future as I am but still support me (thanks for letting me live at home this summer, roomies). Also thanks to my wonderful girlfriend Holly, who has had to put up with a large percentage of every week with me in this office. Sorry about that. But I’m done now, so let’s go get some dinner.
Thanks to my friends, and the faculty and staff at Oklahoma Christian (especially my constant mentor Dr. McBride), because this place truly was the right choice for me. I’ve been so blessed in my time here. I pray God continues to bless this campus even more than he has in my four short years. Thank you, OC.
Although I still wish you hadn’t gotten rid of the coffee shop – but I guess I can look past that.
