By: Eva Monhaut
Staff-Writer & Columnist
For the past few years, I have been writing for The Preface, studying to obtain my English BA with a double minor in French and Sustainability Studies and a concentration in Creative Writing, and becoming involved as much as possible in all aspects of campus life. Now, I am graduating, reflecting on my time with this wonderful IU South Bend community, and signing off one last time here at The Preface.
When I first began my studies at IU South Bend, I was a young, bright-eyed eighteen-year-old who has aspirations to work-hard and find my own niche during school. High school had not been an experience I really enjoyed; I have never put in the effort because it did not mean anything to me at the time. Still, I entered IU South Bend with good grades landing me a spot in the Honors Program which I only improved upon during my time at IU South Bend.
At IU South Bend, I quickly found my rhythm and felt at home. I began work with the English Department through a new Publishing Center opportunity where I wrote newsletters and eventually helped kick off the now thriving English Department blog, The Deadline. Soon after I began working with The Preface, later starting my own column, “Reading Between the Lines with Eva” which focuses on all things book and literary related. Later, I established and published my own anthology “Cultivating Resilience: A Response to Climate Change” featuring undergraduate work from the Midwest that focuses on themes of sustainability. I was extremely grateful to have received a $5000 grant from the Women of IU South Bend to complete this project.
It all has happened so fast that I can’t believe my time here has come to an end. I wish I could go back and do it all again because, if I could, I would make sure to enjoy every opportunity as it came.
I want to use this space to thank everyone who has played a role in my IU South Bend journey. First, I want to thank all of my professors over the years, from those I knew well to those I may have only taken one class from, each and every one of you had greatly impacted my future in ways you may never understand.
In particular, I want to thank the faculty and staff of the English, French and Sustainability Departments. Furthermore, I want to express my immense gratitude to all my fellow staff members at The Pub Hub & The Center for a Sustainable Future, you have made my time at IU South Bend educational, enjoyable and memorable.
Next, I want to thank all of the friends, co-workers and acquaintances I have made over the years; thank you for sticking with me through the difficult times, pushing me to always do my best, and celebrating life’s small victories with me. I would also like to thank the staff at Wolfson Press, my fellow English Club members, and, of course, last but not least, everyone on The Preface staff who I must now leave with the lingering regret that I did not have more time to continue writing alongside you all.
Goodbye IU South Bend! Goodbye everyone!
