Student philanthropist says thanks

[Refugee 7]

“You have four years to be irresponsible here. Relax. Work is for people with jobs. You'll never remember class time, but you'll remember time you wasted hanging out with your friends. So, stay out late. Go out on a Tuesday with your friends when you have a paper due Wednesday. Spend money you don't have. Drink till sunrise. The work never ends, but college does ... " – Tom Petty. This life theory, in moderation, has really done me well here at WSU. My four years here at Wazzu have been nothing short of epic. With graduation creeping closer and closer, and real life just waiting to pounce, I’m so thankful that I came to school here. I’ve had amazing professors, learned a ton and become the person that I am. Not bad for four years. So before the reality of being a college grad clinging to only a potential job sets in, I’d like to revel in some of my favorite Wazzu memories and thank some particularly outstanding individuals. The obvious – Thank you to all of my friends. You’ve put up with me for four years and I’ve had the best times ever with you. Let the adventures continue.

Yet another obvious one – thank you to all my mentors and professors. You have challenged me and are the reason I came to this school. Your influence on my life has been profound and awesome. Go you. To all of you who made GIVE happen, I cannot thank you enough. Seeing a dream become a reality is inspiring beyond measure. Anyone that has helped with or participated in a GIVE endeavor, you’re great people, period. To the small but wonderful group of regular GIVErs, you will always have my gratitude and friendship and you motivate me to be better. GIVE hope. GIVE love. GIVE back. To all my OC friends and former students, and my fellow Cougar Questers. My goodness, you guys are awesome. Best summers ever. Thanks to all of my pals who went on random adventures with me. Whether it was going swinging in the rain, trying to find llamas, orbs, going to Denny’s or climbing certain campus buildings just for chats on the roof, you guys are awesome. I’m continually astounded by how spontaneous and fun the people in my life are.

To those late nights. Whether I go out with friends or stay in and am the lucky recipient of drunk dials and texts, it’s always a good time in Pullman. There have been a few times that I’ve received calls at three, four or even seven in the morning, and either had hilarious conversations or great voicemails. We all need to take Tom Petty’s advice seriously on occasion, and I salute all of you that do. Finally, thank you to everyone who has encouraged and supported me to follow my dream of becoming a Peace Corps volunteer. I cannot wait to share my adventures with you and represent my Cougar pride worldwide. It’s been a fun ride, Pullman. Thanks to everyone who played on the way!

http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/31852

[LizzieB 0]

Cute article. I've never seen that TP quote. I wonder if that's the advice Tom would Dylan nowadays? Probably! lol

[emmie 2]

It's certainly very different from the advice I gave MY som! Especially as mom and dad were footing the total bill for his 4 year university education.

[kelly 0]

wow, that brought back memories!

[TomFest 576]

Go Cougs! My oldest son just graduated from there.

[Nanten 0]

I've read that quote and seen it attributed to Tom Petty several times, but I don't think I've ever seen any source for it. Does anyone know if/when/where he actually said it?

[Pettyjunkie 0]

My parents should take that advice when it comes to me and college!