With summer fast approaching, I sat down at my computer and attempted to type this column. But nothing happened--nothing good anyway. I realized that I really wasn't writing from my heart. With this oppressive, wonderful heat and crazy weather, the last thing I need is more intense analytical thought.

In the midst of deadlines and libraries, I don't want to write about being an agent of social change. That's what the semester's been for. Instead, I'm thinking about the different ways so many people and moments have impacted my life.

So, this is for all those folks I'm going to miss, a shout out if you will. To everyone who makes us stop, if just for a moment, and feel so lucky to know them, to be here.

The Inspirational. Those people who you have a meal with or discuss an idea with and no matter what, manage to get you excited, almost grinning about what's possible when you throw your heart into something. Who tell you things that makes you angry and make you want to change it and give you ideas about how that stay with you until you make them happen.

The Unfailingly Supportive. For those who get stressed (and yes, sometimes that's me), it makes such a difference to have friends who get you to laugh with a stupid e-mail, a shot or good food. Who listen to you rant just long enough before sending you off to call the guy or start the paper. Who are always there to remind you what you really value. They're most definitely the best.

The Uninhibited. Ah, those people who come on by the room at 1 a.m. with thoughts of hitting the town, who suggest Tuesday nights out for no good reason at all and snowball fights and walks in the rain. Who smile, start random conversations, send wacky e-mail messages. A special shout out to the zany dressers among you--so great to have something fun to look at in class or in the dining hall.

The Obsessed. Ain't it great to feel like you have a good sense of perspective? However misguided that sentiment might be? Here's to those who push it a little far with whatever their calling might be: people, random causes, personal missions. Who remind you, for whatever reason, that you're handling it all just fine.

The People who Tried (Hard) to Keep me Awake and yes, the Other Sleepers. Thanks. I know it was challenging. Knowing I could sit next to someone who'd shove me until my head shook back to attention made it worth it to go to lecture. And everyone else who was sleeping made me feel so much better; we were a community. I feel bonded.