This is the last article I will write as president of the Fanshawe Student Union as my term is up April 30. It's been a great year and to be honest I don't even know where to start. But I suppose this next sentence will do just fine.

In the past I have written about things on my mind, issues at hand and how important it is for the FSU to be proactive and be the strength behind student success, however I will take the time in this article to thank the people who helped me reach these goals and have shown me that no matter what, students really are amazing. So to all those students who are reading this right now (yes that's you) and don't really care about the people who have had an effect on my personal growth, then I apologize, but it's more of a half-apology, kind of like when you're sorry you ate the last piece of pizza but damn was it good. I say this because these same people who have helped me get to where I am today are also the same people who help you get to where it is you are going. These people face issues daily and stand behind every policy and governance the college has to throw at us. These are the people you come to for help, and these are the people who make sure Fanshawe College is the best for all students now and for the future.

Overall, of course, the most thanks I owe are to the students, everyday I meet new students with questions, comments, concerns or just a general thirst for knowledge. These are the students who make my job worth while, and of course without students I would be out of a job... wait... I am out of a job.

As student council president I took it upon myself to not just do what I can for students this year, but to invoke that passion into the board and make sure that the student focus stays strong for years to come. I have had the privilege to work for the Fanshawe Student Union for almost five years, and in those years I have seen a change in students, a change in leadership and the biggest change of course is the change in the Student Union Building. When I first started back in my culinary days I didn't really expect much from the FSU other than some experience and a couple good times. However under the leadership of that year's president Crystal Boyd, I learned that there are truly amazing people with strong positive passion for student advocacy and I was inspired to follow and grow as a student leader. For that I thank Crystal, who to this day is employed at the college and has been an incredible asset by creating Campus Watch to become what it is today.

Going that far back in the memory I'm reminded of when I first met some key major players in the Fanshawe Student Union; of course I am talking about Paul Masse and ‘Old Man Smithertook' a.k.a geezer mcballscratch John Young, or always b.Young as I like to call him. Paul Masse and John Young are by far the strength and backbone to this FSU and without them we would not be where we are today. Paul has constantly amazed me with his dedication and knowledge for the best plan of action; which of course is student-oriented and first in mind. The same goes for John. He has been around the FSU for millions of years and is the only living creature from the Permian-Triassic extinction. John loves his entertainment and is the reason you have a pub almost every night of the week. So, for all you Shack goers out there, thank John Young, his office is right beside the internet room across from the Shack. This of course is not all that John and Paul do, there is an endless list of tasks, issues and events to be sorted and they would be happy to talk to you about them, all you have to do is ask.

*To John and Paul* The students here at Fanshawe owe you two an immeasurable amount, and as representative of the Fanshawe Students I thank you both sincerely for all that you do.

The office staff...

First up is Laya Birtch, the sole reason I am still alive. Laya is not the best receptionist at the college... she's the best receptionist in the galaxy! That's right aliens, Laya is better. Any student who has met her will say the same; she always has a smile on her face and is a joy to talk to. Carol Balzer also known as “the mother of us all” is an organizational machine and without her guidance I would be lost in a small village, sure I may be living comfortably in a small village as I have always preferred them to larger suburban landscapes, but that's not the point. Point is I'd be lost. Carol is always on top of things and is the glue that holds this macaroni doodle craft together. Carol you are amazing beyond words.

The FSU has to deal with money as all corporations do. This task is handled carefully and is incredibly accurate thanks to the works of “I changed my last name” Brandy Trelford and “AdmiralCHAOS” James Yeh. The incredible personalities between the two are hands down the most entertaining mix a mix can be. Like trail mix, only with more trail. Brandy you should teach finance, your attention to detail is incredible and worthy of the books! James, you are one of the most consistently entertaining people I know. No one can do what you do any better then anyone else (not including you) (think about it).

The Oasis Staff under the careful eye of Turbo “Twotone” Brian “Harness the Harness” Harness. Turbo is the man in food service. I need say no more. Also to Ryan, you really are the best. Really.

Whenever I am feeling down I can head over to the Oasis and be greeted by some of the nicest staff ever to grace the halls of this college. The staff at Oasis are the most kind and caring a president could ever ask for and I thank you all for your time and effort, I can assure you it does not go unnoticed. I would also like to thank all the employees at Oasis that I have gained a personal friendship with outside of work and I really think you are the best this world has to offer (you know who you are). I do have to take the time to thank my Grinders true love “ask me about my special tea” Tina.

The Out Back Shack Staff... well I really don't know what to say... I mean where do I start? The door staff... incredibly sexy and no door should be without one. Bartenders... incredibly sexy and friendly. Kitchen staff… incredibly dirty and delicious... which in turn is sexy. The servers... incredibly sexy and incredibly sexy... which in turn is incredibly sexy. You all make my day oh so very often and I will miss you all x9827.

All of these people are of course watched carefully by the infamous “don't touch me there, no wait touch me there” Mike Hall or “Hallzy.” Mike you are a cool cat with a mean scratch post. I don't know what it means either, but it still makes you cool.

Adam “Dick” Dick and Greg “Great” Scott. You know I love you and well... you guys make me weak in the knees, only because you kicked my knees and now they are broken. Thanks.

Custodial crew - best clean-up crew I have ever seen hands down. If I ever get into the murder business I know who to call to clean up. All you guys are freakin amazing. Of course this leads to their mighty ruler Rodney “Check out my sword and gun collection” Sutton. Rodney is the kindest, most genuine person to have take care of not only our building, but our students as well.

BEEF! Kevin “Beef” Masterson. Contrary to his last name, Beef has not actually ‘mastered a son.' This in turn has led to numerous disputes and he is now married. Beef and Lori you are really one of the best couples I have ever seen. You both consistently make me smile. Also, Beef your knowledge of comedy is actually not funny.

Biz Booth crew - yeah that's right, you're a crew. I know you all work hard. How do I know? I spy with my normal-sized eye... You all are the best the booth has ever seen.

Interrobang — The newspaper which allows me to write to you right now. Wow what beautiful scenery, pleasant aromas and great people! It really is heaven on earth... oh sorry I was talking about heaven. Turns out your office is packed with information lots of people and constant work with no windows to the outside world. This is why you all rule so much. Each week the students are hit with a compilation of fantastic news and info! Wooo weeee! John Said, I really don't know how you've put up with these crazy people for so long. I love everyone in the Interrobang and would like to Interro you all.

Patrick “I have a bigger kit then you” Maloney, well sir. This man is a man without a name, other than Patrick Maloney. Pat has always been the man of the hour because he is here more hours than anyone else. Pat you do more than anyone can ask and that makes you a.ok in my books and everyone's books. If they don't think so I'll rewrite their books and then burn them.

SAC - student administrative council. This year has been a sub-par council, due to such lack-luster members as Nick Austin, and... well no it's just Nick Austin.

I am of course just kidding. Everyone was sub-par. This of course is also not true, the SAC this year was great all around and I'm glad that we were always able to share some laughs. Each meeting has been unique and I hope you all enjoyed your time on council. I don't need to write all your names because you know who you are. Each member has been dedicated and has represented the student body to the best of their abilities. I owe each member my sincere thanks for an amazing year. Over the years I have seen some councils come and go but not until this year had I not seen a council so full of character and passion. On behalf of the students of Fanshawe College, thank you all very much.

Special thanks out to Nick Austin for putting up with our stupid jokes, Nick is actually very awesome and is single for all you ladies to snatch up.

The executives, the ones who have spent the most time in the office working with students and being complete jerks.

VP Internal “can't turn left” Jason Wilton, you may not be with us anymore, but your stuff is still here. VP External Arif “as you know” Erten, you know is the best I know love see the beautiful as you know. VP Entertainment Sean “comb my beard” Russell, Thanks for all the love and I will miss the beard hair in my food. You make me want to shout, put my hands up and shout. Come on now. Sean is a superhero of incredible strength and powerful strength. VP Athletics Jon “president” Hillis, this guy right here is taking over my position and deserves it. Jon will do an amazing job for all of the students here at Fanshawe. Look forward to hearing more from this guy in the future. Finally, the VP Finance Chris “I have no functioning body parts and will never have children” Pressey. This man is as dedicated as they come, Chris has always been a strong part of the FSU since day one. Always willing to be here when the students need him and constantly is in the office sitting and talking with students about financial concerns and questions. Chris the FSU owes you a lot this year, but we will give you nothing. Thank you to all the execs for giving me one of the best years of my life. I could not have asked for a better board and I really will miss you all.


I also have to give a shout out to my ladies in the fringe hair salon. If you haven't gotten your hair cut by these two, then you've never really cut your hair. Falcon's Nest is the best store on campus, I promise, awesome #1.

Some of you may think I have forgotten to thank you, but that's not true. I thank everyone who I have met at Fanshawe for giving me an opportunity to pursue my goals.

Thanks to the college administration and the teachers who have taught me to listen. The college has some great people behind the scenes and I thank you all. Howard you do an amazing job and I hope you keep the kindness you have for years to come. Also need to say thanks to my teachers in the Culinary and Photography programs. Chef Hersey you are truly an inspiration to your students and I wish all the best. Olive Oyles staff, thanks for the first job I actually enjoyed doing. Photography — thanks for the knowledge, shout out to Gilles, Homer, Lemon, David “tell your friends” Raposo and the rest of the Photo Crew.

This has been almost five years of my life here at the college and I wouldn't change any of it.

Sincerely,
Travis Mazereeuw
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.