Thacker’s last will and testament

This archived article was written by: Dean Thacker

It is crazy to know my time at Eastern has come to an end. It seems like yesterday I was driving to Price for the first time. As I drove down Indian Canyon after spending a summer in Altamont, I had no idea I was going to visit a place that would change my life. Everything felt different then, like I was on another planet, but it felt oddly familiar. I remember driving back up Indian Canyon, eating a slice of Kuluan Pig Pizza, knowing Utah State Eastern was right for me. That night I signed up for classes and two weeks later I was moving my stuff into Burtenshaw Hall.
The first semester of college was crazy. I decided on a whim to join the choir. I made so many friends that truly changed my life. This gave me an opportunity to work on my patience, teamwork and being positive.
My second semester, gave me opportunities I will forever be grateful for. I moved in with a roommate, who I barely knew at the time, who turned to be one of the best people I have ever met. Sometimes you meet a friend who is around for the long haul and will always be there.
Also I joined the newspaper staff and was hired onto Eastern Utah Student Association. Newspaper gave me a voice. I learned I love to give others a voice and a platform. I had the amazing opportunity to interview staff and faculty, the people that run Eastern.
Being hired as the student advocate changed my outlook on Eastern. It let me see what the student needs were and how to help fix those needs. This is what made me decided to run for student body president, I wanted to help the lives of the students improve.
Serving as SBP was hard, crazy, fun and most importantly rewarding. I learned much about myself. During my presidency, I made mistakes and had triumphants. I couldn’t have done anything without an amazing team.
My EUSA team are some of the most talented, hardworking and fun people I know. It is extremely hard not to become close to people you work with when you spend hours upon hours with each other. Each of the members on EUSA work their hardest, and give hours to Eastern.
I have had mentors along the way that gave me direction, called me on my crap and encouraged me to go for my goals. These people know who they are and I can’t express how grateful I am for these leaders, who have shaped me into a better person.
I also want to thank the students of Eastern. You are what makes USUE amazing. The students are unique and create an atmosphere in Price that can’t be replicated anywhere. Thank you all for the memorable year.
Price is a place where you can become a better person, but you have to choose to become better. I am not the same person I was when I came. I am grateful for the opportunities to grow and evolve into the person I am today. Price will always be in my heart, because the people here have shaped me to be the best version of myself I have ever been.
Thank you student, faculty and staff. Thank you Utah State University Eastern.