My time here at Catawba is coming to an end in a couple of weeks, and it is my turn to write a senior salute. I remember reading the ones that my friends Aly and Jen wrote last year and realizing that I only had a year left. Now, that year is almost over and I cannot believe that these 4 years have gone by so fast.

My years at Catawba College have been the most exciting, fun, stressful, frustrating, sad, entertaining, and wonderful years of my life. It has been a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs, but ultimately I am a better person because of all my experiences.

I appreciate everyone that has helped me in some way throughout my college experience. I met some amazing people these past 4 years.  Even if you were just a small part of my time here at Catawba, you made a big impact.

I would especially like to thank the people that helped and supported me the most; my parents, my grandparents, my family, Jan Gillean, Ms. Wittum, and Dr. Moreland. You were all always there to teach me and advise me on the best paths for me to take. Without these people, I am not sure if I could have made it through the day.

I would also like to thank my best friend Brandon Coble. Without you, my college experience would have not been what it was. Without you I would have never eaten a chicken wing, I would still be standing in a subway in Spain trying to figure out where to go, and I would have never thought that I could have fun at any type of race. You were always there when I needed you. Thank you.

Being in college has taught me many important things. I have learned how to get along with different types of people, how to be an active member of a group, and how to turn in my homework on time even if I did not start it until the night before it was due. I have been given many opportunities, and I am very grateful for the experience these opportunities gave me. I got to be an editor of a newspaper, chairperson of Wigwam Productions, president of Lambda Pi Eta, travel abroad to Spain and Paris, and be a member of the senior homecoming court. These experiences I will always treasure.

Catawba has left a lasting impression on me, and I also hope that I was able to leave a lasting expression on it. When I go out into the “real world” in less than a month, I will look back fondly on my time here. It truly was the best years of my life.

I come from Charlotte which is a relatively big city and to come down to a city which really values it’s antique stores and not their Targets was a big change. (P.S. I Love Target.) Also moving from a college that has 22,000+ students (and growing) to a college which can’t even claim 1,000 day students really baffled me. At UNCC I could walk the same sidewalk four times in a row and never see the same person twice. At Catawba, you can’t walk down one sidewalk without probably seeing the same person at least twice.

And here three years later, I LOVED IT! And frankly, I loved my ‘Gen Ed’ classes almost more than my major classes. Not that I don’t love theatre- I do, but I also love psychology, anthropology, communications, and science. Frankly, my first class that I took here at Catawba was General Psychology and my last class that I’m in is Interpersonal Relations, with Dr. Brownlow. I love that Catawba is a Liberal arts School and encourages their students to be well-rounded. If it wasn’t for the Gen Eds, I wouldn’t have had the right environment to find my new passion: photography.

I came here with the intention to get a BFA in Musical Theatre. And that was about it, I didn’t have any back-up plans or anything. And anyone who knows anything about the arts, knows that it’s usually a good idea to have a back-up. So I found my passion for photography. And I get to add it on top of my love of theatre by taking pictures of theatre productions- which have become some of my favorite photos to date. And through that learning of taking those picture and with a lot of help and encouragement from faculty members like Dr. Beth Homan, Professor Dave Pulliam, Professor Cyndi Wittum, Tonia Black-Gold, and Cecilia Stach, I have begun my journey to become a professional photographer. At a big school, like UNCC, there would have been very little chance I would have the same experiences and therefore the same path to choose photography.

I have met many great people at this school from the faculty to the students. I participated in the Musical Theatre Production of “The Boy Friend” and taken many, many pictures on my way to building my career. I’ve built great relationships with people on this campus, and learned that I have some great uplifting friends. I wish everyone great remaining time at Catawba.

My once piece of advice: Take your Gen Eds seriously– you never know where they might lead you– and actually go to class and learn something. Why pay so much to go to a school and not have learned anything?!

I have officially survived Dr. Sang’s “Crash Course in Greek” (Trust me, there were a few times when I really thought I was going to crash), amongst many other amazing Religion and Philosophy classes. I’m sure that Dr. Holtzman will be pleased to not have to put up with my random philosophical ‘insights’ anymore. Needless to say, I will cross the stage extremely well-prepared for my days at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary thanks to my amazing professors, Dr. Sang, Dr. Holtzman, and Dr. Clapp.

The Lilly Center provided me with so many amazing opportunities! I had so much fun being a part of the Retreat Leadership Corps. I was also blessed with many opportunities to help lead campus worship. Shout out to my friends in Scholars of the Chapel! It’s been such a joy singing with you every Tuesday!

I have to make sure to say goodbye to my friends in the Catawba Singers! We’ve been through so much together, you guys! From the stage in Carnegie Hall, to rocking the free world with Eric Whitacre, some truly amazing experiences. I will never forget being privileged enough to create such beautiful music with you all. Libertas imperio.

Finally, I would have never made it through my years here had I not been blessed with my “Jesus Freak” friends I managed to find along the way! Angela and Kaylee, we are almost finished! Angela, only we could have a car accident when we were just trying to get to church. Kaylee, I still haven’t forgotten our EPIC adventure to see David Crowder Band and Chris August.  Blake, you are the best friend I could have asked for. From our first porch talk, through all of our adventures, tobyMac, Divine Rhythm, Friendship Lunch Mondays, tour mishaps, we have made it! I’m going to miss you mucho next year, but someone has to keep spreading the “Jesus Freak” love around here.

I am so excited for my next two years at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary! I cannot wait to see all of the things that God has in store for my life. All of you “Catawbians” out there keep the faith! Run the race and keep your eyes on the cross! You will look back on your struggles and realize God was in it all along, I know you can do it!

And for seniors and underclassmen alike, I leave you with this: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Four years later I can hardly believe all that has happened since I have been here. I was not the most involved student, but I managed to keep busy. I worked with Chartwells Catering my freshman year, while taking 15 credit hours. I was also a part time Youth Leader at a church in Mt. Pleasant for a good part of the year. I spent alot of time getting to know my suitemates and making taco bell runs during the wee hours of the morning. I met more theatre people that year than I had ever met in my life. To this day, I wouldn’t know what to do without my ‘theatre’ friends. I don’t make those taco bell runs nearly as often anymore, it’s not advised.

My sophmore year I was able to get a workstudy position I took great pride in, the Yearbook staff. I still worked with Chartwells for a bit, and was involved with the Pioneer that year, at this point in time it was still a print newspaper. I enjoyed all of my classes, and tried to stay focused on them a bit more. That helped to keep me busy while my boyfriend at the time left for boot camp to join the Marines. That was really a tough year for me, but College is supposed to be tough.

I joined the Alpha program my junior year, and moved into Holifield and had a great time working in the Library and with Public Saftey for the workstudy program. This was also the first year I started to teach swimming lessons at the YMCA in Salisbury. I greatly enjoyed getting involved in the community, if I had the chance I’d go back and start doing working with the Y sooner.  This was my first year working with the Phonathon Event, if you haven’t heard of this you should.

I greatly enjoyed working with Phonathon, mostly because of the opportunity to talk to past alumni. Of course my friends and I enjoyed going to Wigwam events, and Winterfest. I wouldn’t know what to do without my friends, we always came up with something fun to do. Once my mom sent me a care package and had two cans of silly string inside. My roomate and I lined up outside like we were in a western gunslinger movie. Best fun of my life, though senior year topped the cake.

This year has been the most interesting and unexpected of all four of my years at Catawba. I have enjoyed all of my expierences, from my academic expierences in the classroom to the social expierences in the dorm rooms. I am finishing here in less than twenty days, with a degree in Communications, and my minor in Religion.

I am really looking forward to moving back home and starting my new job with a local church as their Director of Nurture & Formation Ministires. The opportunities that Catawba created in the environment they provided helped me get where I am today.  To think about Catawba is to really think all about the people. The staff that have helped guide me and shape my thinking, for that I am forever greatful.

Go Indians!

The editor has many duties on the Pioneer staff and Erin explained to me what her job title requires of her. “As editor, I make sure that everyone is contributing and make sure the articles are appropriate. I also proof read and publish all the articles every Monday. I then post all the articles to the Pioneer, Facebook and Twitter pages to drive traffic to the site.”

Usually when leadership roles change, other changes follow. When asked what she planned on changing as editor, Erin responded: “I did not think about wanting to change anything when I accepted the job. I just want to make the newspaper something that students want to read. I want it to be a paper they can count on to inform them about what is happening on campus and around Salisbury.”

Although she is taking on plenty of responsibility as editor, Erin says she still plans to write articles for the newspaper. She goes on to say: “I have written two articles since I have become editor. I enjoy writing and want to contribute to the site as much as I can.”

In closing, Erin explains that she wants the readers “to know that the Pioneer is somewhere they can come to read about the latest events/news at Catawba College.” The staff of the Pioneer welcomes Erin Kidd as the new editor and wishes Brandon Coble all the best. Congratulations to the both of you!

In high school, I wrote about sports mostly.  I have three brothers and one sister. I took dance for six years, but had to quit after I injured my ankle. I moved to Salisbury when I was seventeen.

I want to travel the world and go to places like Spain, Italy, Uganda, and Brazil. I listen to most types of music, but I love country. I go to Cornerstone Baptist Church in Cleveland, and I help with children’s church. I don’t know specifically what I want to write about, but I’d like to try something other than sports.

I have always been interested in writing, and it comes natural to me. This semester I am taking Online Publication, Philosophy & Culture, Major British Writers 1800-1950, Introduction to Theatre Arts, and Adolescent Psychology.

I love to volunteer and I spent three years working at the Ronald McDonald House of the Southwest. My life goals are to become a journalist and go on mission trips around the world.

Winning three SAC championships and my experiences playing four years of college baseball definitely ranks number one in my favorite memories.  I’m proud say I was a member of the Catawba Baseball program.  There’s not that many people out there who can say they played on one of the best teams in the country.   It wasn’t always about the wins, though.  It was how we got there.  The teammates that go through the hours and hours of practice, lifting, and conditioning with you are where the bonds are built. 

One thing Coach Gantt always says is,” In twenty or thirty years, you’re not going to remember whether someone was a good player or not, if they had a big hit in a championship game or choked in a clutch situation.  You’re going to remember whether that person was a good teammate or not.”

I know I’ve had some great teammates, past and present, that I will remember for the rest of my life. 

Freshman year and 3^rd floor Woodson will also always be something I remember.  It just so happened that 3^rd floor Woodson was all athletes.  There were some wild times between all the bathroom pranks, Airsoft gun wars, and destruction of property (which I was never personally involved in but I could never resist from watching).  I cannot seriously remember any dull moments in the dorm that entire year.  Hell was raised at all hours of the night.   My roommate, who will remain nameless, continually locked me out of the room while I was in the shower and I usually spent the next 30 minutes walking all over the dorm (include the female floors) looking for an RA to unlock my door, wearing only my towel and carrying my shower caddy (not one of the more fun moments but always sticks out in my mind).  As much fun at my freshman year in Woodson was, I am glad that things have gradually calmed down since then.  One year in Woodson was enough for me.

Football season was another one of my favorite times at Catawba.  Baseball was usually so miserable in the fall, when Saturdays came around, college football was all I could think about.  I’ve got some great memories from tailgating for Catawba Football.  A bar-b-que spread, Corn hole, and some sort of stereo system were mandatory during tailgating.  Not only are you tailgating with current teammates but there’s a lot of Baseball Alumni that come out to most of the home games. 

There are plenty of other memories that I will take away from Catawba as well but I don’t feel it’s appropriate to talk about them in this article.  Catawba has been a big part of my life.  I was able to get an education and play baseball for four years while doing it.

 Although, I will never be able to live in Woodson again (nor would I want to) or play another year in the Catawba Pinstripes, there is no doubt that I will be returning here for the football games and as well as watching baseball games from the stands.

Freshman year was a fantastic year.  I learned the hard way that you really do need to stay on top of the game.  I failed a class my freshman year and it really dragged my GPA down that I had to spend the rest of my college career pulling it back up. But it is possible.  If you messed up a little bit this year don’t lose heart.  You can still redeem yourself.

The more I try to think about the last 4 years the harder it is for me to remember what happened.  I remember freshman year my friend Grant almost flew out of Woodson’s 2^nd floor window.  The second semester is when I turned straight edge.  I remember swimming and complaining throughout the first 3 years.  I remember meeting a bunch of cool people and also meeting a bunch of people who weren’t as pleasant.  I remember staying up until 6am playing Mario Kart on the Wii with Howard, DJ, and Zane.  Benchwarmers were the first club I’ve ever been to.  And there were times where all we did was hang around and talk to each other, sometimes until the sun came up.  There was also a time where I stayed up until 6am playing Mario Kart on the Wii with Howard, DJ, and Zane.  That isn’t a typo, I did it two nights in a row.

One of my best memories was when I watched the sun rise from the Ketner lab while working on a Terrorism paper for Dr. Silverburg.  My good friend Brent Johnson was with me working on English papers.  Breakfast tasted extra good that morning.

Where did the time all go?  I can’t believe I’m about to graduate. 1461 days (counting summer and breaks) and all of a sudden I’m about to have a degree.  But I’ve learned so much more than what they teach you in the classrooms.  Want to have a great time at Catawba?  Let me tell you a few tricks so you too can have a great time.

First of all, do everything you can.  I’m not saying be ridiculous and join every club made under the sun.  I’m just saying don’t stay in your room all the time.  Go to every event you can.  It’s free; the worst that will happen is that you might find yourself enjoying it.

Second, if you live nearby then don’t go home all the time.  If you live on campus, be a part of it.  Don’t hang out long enough to go to classes and then head home every chance you get.  Sure the food here isn’t amazing and there are people that will rub you the wrong way but college gets better with friends.  And it usually gets worse with the lack of them.  You want those friends there when you’re both suffering through the same crappy assignments and talking about dropping out together.  If you are on a sports team then spend time with people who aren’t your teammates.  You’ll miss out on fantastic people otherwise.

As much as you’ll hate this next tip, you’re going to have to read carefully.  Stay on top of the game.  This is what college is: a game.  Play it right.  Do you work prompt and of decent quality.  Try to avoid the late nights of cramming and pumping out poorly written papers.  If you have to do it that way then have the research done prior to the night before.  Then writing the paper is a breeze.  Make sure to talk in class.  I don’t mean to your neighbor.  I mean to participate in discussions.  It doesn’t have to be much.  Just make one good point and then shut up.  You’ll appear smart, trust me I’ve done this.  If there is a presentation that needs to be done, then volunteer to go first.  Set the bar for everybody else.   And whatever you do start playing the game early.  I started too late. I didn’t get in the game until my sophomore year where I had to make a 2.4 into a 3.0 again.  It took me 2 years of hustling to get my grades up but I did reach my goal.

I hope you can take something from my mistakes and follow these tips.  I know there isn’t much to it but I have had some of the best times of my life up to this point.  Try not to complain as much that “Catawba is too small and there’s nothing to do.”  Wah wah wah. Quit complaining and make something of this place.  You’re a college kid, you can figure it out.

1.  Our little Catawba has so many perks. Your friends may boast about all their big school has to offer.  But . . . did Cheerwine start in their town?  Do all of their professors know them personally?  Did they land an awesome internship opportunity?  Do they get to park within a 7 minute walk of their dorm?  Can they wake up 10 minutes before class and make it in time?  I think not (a special thanks definitely goes to Dr. Moreland for providing me with the opportunity to intern with Roush Fenway Racing my sophomore year)!

2. If you provide T-shirts and great free food, they will come. As I have learned time and time again as chair of Wigwam Productions, Catawba students looove their Krispy Kreme doughnuts, Dippin’ Dots and free T-shirts.  I have loved watching the excitement on students’ faces as they attend our events, and I will really miss planning and facilitating them all with such a great group.  Erin Kidd and Brandon Coble are going to do a great job with Wigwam next year, so get excited!

3. There ARE substitutes for Wawa. All my fellow northerners can empathize: life is just missing something when there is no Wawa for miles.  However, Salisbury has its little sweet treats I’ll really miss when I leave.  I’ll be craving Frostbites and Palms gelato for a while after I leave this place!

4. Societies are just as great as sororities . . .  maybe better! As a proud Delphinian Society girl since my freshman year at Catawba, I can honestly say I have had some wonderful times bonding with my sisters.  We have had so much fun having our spa nights, taking our Scarowinds trips, organizing our annual Luaus, bringing Chunky Junk to Catawba, and just spending time together.  I will really miss the Delphi girls when I graduate, but I know the sisterhood will be left in good hands.

5. Tokyo Express is the gem of the ‘Bury. I’m not ashamed to say I was a regular my freshman year (umm . . . probably twice a week), and I will really miss the inexpensive deliciousness that is Tokyo Express.  Props go out to that lady who fills my water diligently, too.

6. Making hot dogs and popcorn for the masses several times a week CAN be a blast. Most people who come to Catawba baseball games will have a hot dog or two.  Maybe a bag of popcorn, and maybe a Snicker’s bar with a Cheerwine.  I got to be on the other side of that concession stand window for my college years, and although we all smelled like popcorn and hot dog juice more times than not, I loved every minute of it.  I’ll really miss watching some of my best friends hit home runs while serving chili dogs with some of my other best friends (and here’s a fun fact – I met my boyfriend while serving chili dogs at a Catawba baseball game!)

7. A winning season does not determine a great team. My time with the Catawba field hockey team was some of my

earliest fond memories of Catawba.  Bonding with such a small group of girls through our long road trips, loong practices, and on the field was a great way to start my years at Catawba.  I still miss the Catawba field hockey team, and I will never forget the fun times we had.  And hey, we WERE undefeated at home!

8. Cookout milkshakes make everything better. Whether it’s exam time (our favorite time to indulge!), a late-night hunger kick, or a long roadtrip, Cookout milkshakes are a perfect answer to the equation.  With the 48 flavors and endless combinations, there are soooo many recipes for a delicious treat.  A few of my favorites are double oreo, mint oreo, and peanut butter banana fudge.  YUMMM!

9. Half your friends will transfer, but those who stay with you all four years will end up your very best friends. It’s no exaggeration to say that 75% of the friends I made my freshman year no longer attend Catawba.  However, I look around to my friends who have hung around here with me, and I can’t help but feel a special bond with them from the four years we have spent together at Catawba.

10. The staff and faculty will become another family. I am fully convinced I had the best work study in all of Catawba.  I got to work with the nurses!  Since my freshman year, Nurses Kathi and Candy have taken me into their arms as an extra child, and I could not imagine my life at Catawba without them.  They have become my Catawba “mommies,” along with Jan Gillean, my advisor of Wigwam.  Along with my great professors (special mention goes to Ms. Wittum, Dr. Moreland, Dr. Peevy, and Dr. V-A), I will really miss everyone when I leave Catawba!

There are so many things I will never forget about Catawba.  I have had so many great, unforgettable opportunities:

I was able to run a newspaper, I had a starting position on the field hockey field, I was chairperson of an event planning committee, I had a great internship in the NASCAR field, I got to sing the national anthem at a football game, and my amazing fellow students crowned me Homecoming Queen.  Catawba will always have a special place in my heart, and I’m already excited to come visit as an alum.

Everyone always told me that graduation will come sooner than you know. I would just smile and shake my head and say that I couldn’t wait to graduate. Now that the days are coming to an end, graduation is really starting to sink in. I’ve had a great experience here at Catawba and wish I could do it all over again. I have met my best friends here at Catawba, and some of my best memories happened right here.  Here are my top 10 things I’ll always remember from Catawba.

1.) Catawba Field Hockey: Playing field hockey for Catawba will follow me where ever I go. Yes, we only had 3 home games a season and 9 hour bus rides to and from PA, but riding on that bus with those girls are some of my favorite memories. Coming to Catawba to play field hockey, I met my best friends, my sisters. This group of athletes is the most strong willed, dedicated and most unbelievable I have ever met. We have made our mark on Catawba and will continue to grow independently but always close by heart.

2.) Delphi: Delphi girls are the greatest! We’re fun, outgoing, hard working sisters. I think this has been the best group of Delphi girls (and I’m not just saying that because I’m President). I truly believe that we have made a name for ourselves this year and became closer as a group! From the pumpkin picking and haunted trails experience, where I think everyone peed their pants because they were laughing so hard, to the infamous Princess Party. Our Luau is always the highlight of the week for Catawbapalooza, and we love helping out our community, especially with Chunky Junk. My hope is that Delphi continues to grow into the sisterhood that it is becoming.

3.) The Pioneer: I have been writing for the pioneer for many years now. It has helped me improve my writing skills, shape my ideas for stories, and now, learn how to put my writing online. From the Pioneer, I have learned how to be part of a team and loved being a staff member. I would like to send out a special thank you to Ms. Wittum and all the staff members! Keep up the good work and keep writing!

4.) Wigwam: I have loved every event that Wigwam has put on. These group of individuals work hard to keep us students entertained. We move couches to set up stages for comedians and make sure that we have enough candy and popcorn for everyone. I don’t have a favorite Wigwam event; there are too many to count! Some of my favorites were Chinese Late Night, Western Night and the hypnotists. Big shout out to Jan and the Wigwam staffers! Thank you for all that you do to keep Catawba entertained and always fun on a Friday night!

5.) Baseball Concessions: Yes, making hot dogs and popcorn at every game might not sound fun to you; however, I have seen every home run and grand slam to leave the park. We really have the greatest fans here at Catawba, and it’s a wonderful to see the whole community come out for the games. I love making hot dogs with my friends; we always have the best times, unless the giant wood bees get in and we run out screaming, then maybe not so much. I love watching my friends play the sport they love and never missed a game. My biggest recommendation… get a bag of popcorn and M & M’s and eat them together! You won’t regret it.

6.) The Fountain: Now as I like to call it, the big plant. I miss the fountain and the pranks that were always pulled. I miss the bubbles from dish soap and the red Kool Aid at Halloween. Not to mention, here’s a big shout out to the brave souls who dared to swim in it! You guys are awesome!

7.) Winterfest: Winterfest is one of the biggest highlights here at Catawba, and I have never missed a dance. It is always a wonderful time dancing with our friends and taking countless pictures. If you have not been to a Winterfest dance yet, GO!

8.) Catawbapalooza: This is the best week here at Catawba. I love all the events and the prizes every year. It constantly gets better and better! My friends always look forward to coming down for Catawbapalooza and we always have a great time. Word of advice: get the funnel cake!

9.) The staff at Catawba: Thank you to every professor, every admissions counselor, and every person who has helped me get to where I am today! Without you, I would not be the person I am today! You guys are the most creative, intelligent and caring staff members that any school has to offer. You have become my family away from home, and I am very grateful that I have had the chance to met you all.

10.) Catawba Campus: There are too many memories to count. so I will just name the campus itself. From the snowball fights outside of Stanback to the corn hole tournaments outside of the apartments. This campus has so much to offer and I have some of the greatest memories running around on scavenger hunts and water balloon fights.

There we have it: my top 10 favorite things at Catawba. My last word of advice? Live it up! Do not take Catawba for granted, make your own fun here! Get involved with activity groups, go to theater productions, go to every Wigwam event, and just make lasting memories! Thank you, Catawba, for giving me the experience of a lifetime.