Valeria Moncada

Saying goodbye to CEU and to Price is a hard step. I remember thinking, “I’m never going to leave CEU, I will never be able to graduate because of mat” I remember crying on nights when I couldn’t figure out how to solve a problem. Now that I am finally graduating and moving up in life, I realize that math wasn’t so bad. Yes, I did have to repeat 1010 twice, but it was worth it. Being able to have my associate degree and giving my parents that gratification that they did something right makes me feel accomplished.
So many memories run through my head; from late nights in the newspaper lab to shopping at D.I, to being the chauffeur for the basketball team, to cramming as much information in my head as possible before finals, every single minute from the last two years has been worth it. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I have met new boys, thought I was in love a few times, lost friendships, but in the end they were replaced by some of the most amazing individuals. I found an amazing newspaper to write for, along with a new family outside of my home.
I would like to begin with Susan Polster, without this woman I honestly don’t know if I would have ever found my passion. She has helped me grow in so many ways; she opened my eyes and introduced me to The Eagle. Every time I had a problem I could count on Susan to walk me through it. She has given me advice that no one else could have possibly given me, from crying over boys to walking me through the steps of applying to the University of Utah. Susan has made my CEU experience so much better. She has taught me to become better at what I do and also to appreciate my writing. Not only did I find a person I could trust with anything, but also most importantly I found a second mom. Thank you Susan for being yourself and for taking the time to get to know me and making me a better person.
Secondly, Jessa Love Adams, this girl was my first friend at CEU. From working together at Anthony J’s, going to dances, freezing our butts off at baseball games, taking our dogs on a run (while it’s raining), debating whether to go with the baseball boys or the basketball boys, stuffing 6’4” grown men in patches, sneaking into my house early in the morning (after not coming home the night before), staying up all night to paint our nails and watch Mean Girls, dancing Zumba, and talking about old boys, the boys that are happening now, and new boys…there are so many memories I have made with this girl. From being complete strangers to becoming inseparable, I could never sum up the enormous amount of love I have for her. She has taught me to enjoy the little things in life, the beauty in photography and most importantly how to cherish every moment of my life. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without her. Not only did she become my best friend, she also became a second sister to me. Jessa thank you for being there every time I needed you. For giving me a shoulder to cry on and for teaching me how to be a stronger woman. We had some amazing memories at CEU, and I can’t wait to continue them in the fall.
Daylan Jones, with her tremendous amount of fashion, this girl is one of the most respectful and most beautiful women I know. She has taught me that it is okay to take a risk and put on a pair of bright red skinny jeans. She helped boost my confidence and taught me how to respect myself more. From teaching me the correct way of shopping at the D.I to bringing me ice cream and allowing me to cry on her shoulder after my pets pass away, to talking about the d-bag athletes we both tend to fall for. She is one of the only individuals that I can count on for anything. No matter what time of day or night it may be. All I would have to do was call and she would be at my back door. This girl has helped me get through so much, no matter the situation she would be there for me.
My newspaper family, taught me so much and have helped me accept who I am. No matter what the topic or situation may be. I could always count on you to be completely honest with me and help me learn from my mistakes. Whether you had to listen to me cry about the athletes I had fallen for or just listen to me complain about failing a test; you were all there for me. You have truly taught me how to be a team player.
To all of my professors, you have all taught me new things and helped me improve my ways. Especially Jennifer Truschka, Curt Icard, Henry Zwick, Melanie Nelson, and most importantly Pam Cha. Without all of the support you gave me, it wouldn’t have been possible for me to graduate. Thank you for teaching me to become a responsible student and for answering every question and explain the answer.
I want to say thank you to all of the guys that I met at CEU, whether you were the ones that broke my heart, helped me grow, or simply the ones that I could just count on as friends; I learned something from every one of you and I wouldn’t take any of it back.
Finally, thank you to the lady that worked at the Golden Grille; for calling me Stephanie every time I would order my food.
CEU helped me mature, expanded my knowledge, helped me find myself, and most importantly find my passion. Saying goodbye to this school is a hard step for me, but in the end I know it is time to move on. I appreciate every single person who ever crossed my path and everyone who actually read my articles in The Eagle oh and also, KC Smurthwaite, thank you for being such a great friend.
Even after all of the changes that this school went through, in the end it is still simply CEU to me. Thank you CEU for being a second home for me.