I have gone on record - probably too many times, to some annoyance - in saying Kean University is my home; and not just in the metaphorical sense. If there is any validity in that, then The Cougar's Byte is my bedroom - with a great view as a plus. I feel most comfortable in the office, among family, doing what I love: manifesting pride into something tangible.

While I leave my position as senior editor to pursue new, advocacy-based professional roles, I admit there is sadness in me. I know I will take with me the best four years of my life thus far - and some deep-rooted ink on my arm - but I cannot help feeling an all-too-early nostalgia. I am already recalling, vividly, one of my first event articles for the newsletter.

At the 2009 Homecoming Greek Reunion, I met with some of the most proud graduates of my university. Their confidence in this institution reaffirmed my own passion.

In July, I will start my position as a graduate assistant in the Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT

and Service.