Column - I’ve had a great time and wouldn’t change it for the world

West Virginia University Students, Faculty and Staff,

Tonight at the men's basketball game, a new Mountaineer will be selected to take over a role that I have filled for the last two years. I write this short letter to express to you how much I have loved being your Mountaineer.

This has been a life changing experience for me and has literally been the best two years of my life. I cannot begin to put into words how blessed I feel to have had this wonderful opportunity.

I have made more memories during these two years than I would have hoped to make in a lifetime. Growing up a huge West Virginia University fan, this experience has been a dream come true. All of that said, I have you to thank for it all. You all have helped make these two years unforgettable with your love, kindness and helpfulness. I would not have been the Mountaineer I was without our great students, faculty and staff.

If I have had the opportunity to come in contact with you over these last two years, I hope that I brought joy to your life, as I know you have brought it to mine.

If I haven't had the pleasure to meet you, I apologize and thank you for being a Mountaineer. Though we may not have met, you indirectly helped make my time as Mountaineer memorable.

I hope to make many more memories in this final stretch, but I pray that when the new Mountaineer takes over in April, you treat him with as much respect and love as you have me.

As odd as this sounds, I must say also goodbye to the "Mountaineer." While many believe that I am the Mountaineer, I believe differently. I simply filled the role of the Mountaineer much like an actor fills a role in a movie.

Many individuals have played the part and I will not be the last. When I first became the Mountaineer, I had so many new and fresh ideas to bring to the position, but I quickly found out that

I would not change the Mountaineer, he would change me. I have found that to be true as I am a much better person today than I was when I took over this position two years ago.

I have tried to represent each and every one of you in the best way that I possibly could. The position of the Mountaineer is rich with tradition and history and I hope I have added to that in some small way.

All I have ever wanted was to leave a positive impact on this university and I hope that I have done that.

Again, I just want to thank you for everything you all have done for me! It has truly meant the world and made me the person I am today.