COLUMN: It's not you, it's me
It's been a long eight semesters, Central Michigan Life.
We've been a good match, and I promise you, it's not you — it's me. It's time we finally break up.
I'll never forget the first blind date I was set up on with you. My buddy came to me and said, "Hey! I think I know this awesome place you'd love to work at."
As often happens on blind dates, I was intrigued and persuaded by your sex appeal. After the first date, I thought, "Hey, I could probably commit to this."
I came back for the second date. The third, then the fourth, until you finally needed me to be something more.
The honeymoon phase came and went. We both got to know each other on a deeper level.
You became an anchor in my life when everything else was unstable.
You became a member of my family and comforted me when I lost my own brother.
CM Life, often times you were the best for me. And the worst for me.
You helped me mature into the strong leader I am today. You taught me about headline hierarchy, what a nut graph consists of and how to work with people, not against them. You taught me how to best market yourself and your products and services, and above all else, you taught me to always be honest and transparent.
You also turned me into a monster.
Because of you, CM Life, my adrenal glands went into overproduction. I skipped class just to be with you. I might have even failed a class or two because of you. I missed life events — like the birth of my second niece — for you. I've spent so much time inside of your walls, some probably think I had an addiction.
Because of us, friendships were lost and enemies created.
You've watched me grow from a hot-headed, uncommunicative pseudo-leader into a helpful mentor and respected leader. Thank you, CM Life, for making sure the transition occurred.
We had a break last spring when we both desperately needed time apart. You allowed me to see other people and spend some time working at MLive Media Group while you were going through your own transitional phase.
You took me back with open arms when I needed you, and you needed me.
This time around, you let me take charge and call the shots. We had a newfound love for each other. I will cherish the memories we've made together over the last few months.
Over the years I've watched you grow and have been instrumental in your growth. I remember when you were a bit wider, and didn't look as appealing. You even let me give you a complete makeover after you slimmed down. This fall when we're apart, you're going to look better than ever in your new and improved form. I'm confident you'll be fine without me suggesting what shoes to pair with your outfit.
CM Life, it's time for me to go. It wasn't easy taking a break from you, but this time it isn't just a break, it's a break up.
I'll come back every now and again and read up on what you and your new lover are up to. I'm excited to continue to watch you grow and change. I'm ready for when your next partner reaches out to me asking for some tips on how to deal with you when you're being a finicky bitch.
The truth is, you're perfect just the way you are.
I've always been told when you're comfortable, it's time for change. This past semester I've been the most comfortable I've ever been.
I think I'm leaving you, and you're leaving me, better than when we first met. It's not you, CM Life, it's me.
It's time for me to make a change.
