When I first came to the University of Wisconsin almost two years ago, I had no intention of writing for a student newspaper. All I wanted to do was work on my doctorate and maybe help out on a few political campaigns along the way. But, perhaps I should have put a little more stock in the old adage of "never say never."

A crass sex columnist during my first semester at UW in a certain newspaper that will go unnamed caused me to cease reading the campus publications. Yet somehow one thing led to another, and my venture into college journalism began at The Mendota Beacon. After a semester, I decided move on to a larger audience after I received an invitation to become the Editorial Board Chairman of The Badger Herald last year.

While I didn't think much of it at the time, I soon realized that writing for a newspaper with a daily circulation of 16,000 and thousands more viewing the paper online is no small potatoes. People actually read the columns — and vocalize their reactions.

Although the topics I discussed this past year — including chastity, abstinence education, diversity and religion — may not have always been well received on this campus, it was my sincere intention to write from a perspective that is often ignored at this university.

So often, a majority of students on this campus tend to hold a certain mindset, and if this view of the world is challenged, many are up in arms about it. But it shouldn't have to be this way. On a university campus where the administration strives for racial diversity, diversity of ideas should also be promoted.

Nonetheless, the feedback on my columns may not have always been very civil at times. And at one point, this paper's former ombudsman referred to my opinions as "a slap at the majority of students on campus." But for every negative letter-to-the-editor, feedback posted on the online comment board or ombudsman column, there were the numerous positive e-mails too.

These words of encouragement and support led me to my decision to remain in my position as the Editorial Board Chairman for another semester, as I was truly fortunate to have a platform to voice my views on issues affecting this campus. As this semester nears its final days, I believe it is only appropriate to express my thanks and gratitude.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents, especially my mom, for their encouragement and support during my undergraduate and graduate careers. My roommate and outgoing chair of the College Republicans, Jordan Smith, also deserves thanks. Interestingly, we met while working for the Beacon, and I wish her the best in continuing to defend conservative values in this state.

I would also like to thank Sisters Tiziana, Michela and Raffaella of the Apostles of the Interior Life and numerous other individuals of the St. Paul University Catholic Center for encouraging me to stay strong in some of my views — regardless of their popularity on campus.

Further, I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to Jen Brick, Ilia Sasich and Rajen Subramanian. While many on this campus know them as teaching assistants for Professor Downs' law courses, I know them as true defenders of intellectual diversity. We may not have agreed on everything, but they have always defended my right to have an opinion.

And no expression of gratitude would be complete without thanking Professor Downs. As a graduate student in political science, it has been a pleasure being a teaching assistant for him this past semester and having him as an advisor.

Finally, it was a pleasure working with Mac VerStandig, Mike Robinson, Ryan Masse, Rob Rossmeissl, Brad Vogel and Rob Hunger on the Editorial Board and our radio show on WSUM. And on a light-hearted note, while meetings around a boardroom table four nights a week may have become a bit heated on a few (okay, maybe numerous) occasions, I truly wish this intelligent and witty group of individuals all the best in their future endeavors.

Thanks everyone for quite a year, and I hope this campus will continue to strive for true diversity — diversity of ideas. Because as the saying goes, only through sifting and winnowing alone can the truth be found.

Darryn Beckstrom ([email protected]) is graduating with a Master of Public Affairs from the La Follette School of Public Affairs. She is also a doctoral student in the department of political science.