Jilla says final goodbye to her loyal readers

Sophomore year I created the now infamous alter ego, “Jilla.” Now that I have given my last ounce of advice, I must admit to my eight avid readers that, while most of the time I spoke from the heart and with readers’ best interests in mind, much of what I said had a very harsh dose of sarcasm along with it. To anyone I may have offended over the years with my increasingly off color humor, know that I truly do love USD and the people I have met here. Especially the members of the Vista staff.
Ryan Brennan, thank you for being basically the only photographer on staff for years now. You are underappreciated and overworked.
Maggie Klos, I like you because you did Semester at Sea. Yes, this is a legitimate reason.
Lora Sforza, you are a hardworking and a really sweet person, even though we used and abused you and your incredible graphics skills. Thank you for all of the late nights and last minute animation.
Anne Slagill, the first time I met you you told me you were Jilla’s biggest fan. I didn’t even know I had a fan. You always stand by your beliefs, even with all of our ridicule. That’s pretty cool in my book. Hope I get an invite to the wedding.
Ryan Coghill, some of my favorite memories of you include shots at the Beachcomber, but other than that, I find you to be a really down to earth guy with a great taste in music. Thanks for proving your sex wrong (you know how I feel about USD guys), as well as just being someone I really enjoy being around. You’re cute, too. Do you think Kaitlin will be mad?
Ryan Mulvey, I love you despite the fact that most people I run into pretty much hate you. I might not always agree with what you have to say, but you are one of the most intelligent people I have ever met, seriously, and I know that you have a wonderful heart. You’ve done really great things with the opinion section this year, especially when you wrote things that incited many letters to the editors, something The Vista should always strive for. I am happy to be traveling to the East Coast with you next year and look forward to one day smoking a pipe with you. One day.
Morgan Payne, I have vivid images of you fidgeting with various items around the office, like tapping abandoned rolls of paper against everything you came across, and driving me nuts every time. Other than that, you are funny as hell and a genuine guy, and I’ve enjoyed the random times we’ve had together. One more thing, you are my favorite columnist. Don’t tell anyone.
Ryan Sidhoo, the bond we’ve created this year is a pretty strong one, one that will only improve as we are both moving to New York this year. You, Morgan and I have made some beautiful memories over Otter Pops and Taco Bell. Thanks for all of the arguments you’ve started with Mulvey in the office even though you don’t know what you’re talking about most of the time. It was fun to listen to.
Kaitlin Perry, you’ve been with me from the start of my Vista career, and now you’re taking over. I know you’ll make a fantastic Editor in Chief. Never stop saying the word silly or posting pictures of sleeping kittens on everyone’s computers.
Mary Beth, my experience at USD would not be the same without you. Sophomore year we spent every Tuesday gossiping about our weekend and boys, and senior year we pretty much do the same thing. Who else would I watch all of those “Harry Potter” trailers with? I know you will be making your mark in grad school and beyond. Let’s go to Casa Guad then watched “Enchanted” together sometime soon.
And, finally, my readers. Thank you for all of your support, your questions and hopefully your laughter. Q: Dear Jilla, how much will you miss USD? A: Too much.