When all “the work is worthwhile”: Brendan Collins, Social Media Editor

I remember being a very different person when I entered RV. I mean, it’s not often one goes through some of their most formative years without much change, but regardless, I remember being the typical freshman: eyes wide with a sparkle in them and ready to take on whatever life threw at them. Even now, four long years later, I can still sense part of that sparkle remaining.

RV helped to welcome me with open arms, and the various individuals I’ve met over the years have distinctly shaped me to become who I am today. This has most especially been evident with those involved with the arts, as they have been the ones to inspire me to continue exploring said area into my college education. Even the short time I spent as an editor of the Holly Spirit helped shape me, helping me explore areas of my creativity that I had not previously thought were accessible.

To Sherm – Thanks for reorganizing this club, and helping to bring one of RV’s most understated organizations regain focus in a new era. Thank you to Hammy and Shea, who manage to keep our crazy cast of characters together (while also being two of my closest friends). Thanks to Meadow for holding the fort down when things got rough, and to whoever made Canva, I owe you my life.

As for the rest, I’ll go quickly. Thanks to those involved with RV Choirs and Red Devil Dramatics, as you helped me feel at home among some of the craziest people I’ve ever known, and thanks to Mr. Mech and Mr. Pliskin for helping me realize who I could be.

Those of you I consider my friend are far too vast to each individually mention in this word limit, so from the bottom of my heart, I deeply thank you. Thank you for being the lights I needed when surrounded in darkness, and, when I was stuck on the ground, helped me regain my strength when I didn’t think I could get back up again. You know who you are.

I hope to reflect upon each day I’ve had here with a semblance of joyful reminiscence, and maybe some form of longing. It’s been a crazy ride, guys.

And to the people who read this? The people who come out and see the shows, who pour over this website every day? Thank you most of all. You are the ones who make the work all worthwhile.