Talk Red & Black

Favorites of ‘11: University Memory

We complete our series of 2011 editors’ picks with something particular to each desk: a favorite experience at the University, in Athens or with UGA friends. Some took place on the job, while others revolved around time with friends — another derived from an extremely unlikely source. All the while, these moments reinforced our love for the University and what we do at it.

Jacob Demmit, Editor in Chief: Interviewing Isaiah Crowell for the first time

In a world where athletes can’t seem to keep their mouths shut, it was refreshing to see a wide-eyed Isaiah Crowell standing in front of a crowd of reporters for the first time. He was shy, timid and couldn’t seem to squeeze out more than one or two words at a time. No good for quotes, but entertaining nonetheless.

Polina Marinova, Managing Editor: A pride-provoking encounter with the law

My favorite University memory of 2011 actually happened in another state. I was driving through Alabama when I got pulled over for going 38 in a 35-mile zone (yes, I wish I was joking). I had a UGA sticker on my car, and the Alabama police officer asked if I was on my way to Athens and told me he wasn’t a fan of the Bulldogs. As I was driving back, I realized just how proud I was to be a Bulldog and there’s no ticket he could’ve given me that would made me take the sticker off my car.

Mariana Heredia, News Editor: Georgia-Florida

Georgia/Florida. It was my first time going, and I had the wonderful opportunity of sitting right where the players jumped into the stands after beating the Gators. It was the most fun I’ve had at a football game.

Wil Petty, Online Editor: Getting the year started

Honestly starting my first day at the University. That freak snow storm came out of nowhere and none of my classes happened that first week.

Melissa Buckman, Opinions Editor: Snowpocalypse 2k11

As a native of Connecticut, I’ve always found it funny to see my friends in the South experience snowstorms with childlike euphoria. But when Snowpocalypse hit in January, I was right there with them for the first time. We explored the snowed-out town by day, finished my 21st birthday keg by evening and hit the (remarkably still open) bars by night in an unparalleled experience of wintry freedom. Plus, we missed the first week of school. It was perfect.

Raisa Habersham, Recruitment Editor: Homecoming

The homecoming parade is always a favorite of mine. Knowing it would be my last as an undergraduate was a wee bit sad, but I’m looking forward to seeing it as an alumna.

Ryan Black, Sports Editor: Georgia-Florida

Covering the University football team this season, I have written about victories over Tennessee, Auburn and Georgia Tech, to name a few. But one game stood out above all the rest: the Bulldogs’ 24-20 come-from-behind win over the Florida Gators on Oct. 29 in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia ended three years of frustration against Florida, and in the post-game celebration, all of that emotion came out, as the Bulldogs’ seniors jumped into the stands and celebrated with fans while head coach Mark Richt shared a hug with his son Zack. Being able to witness those post-game festivities in person is something I’ll never forget.

Adam Carlson, Variety Editor: Discovering the house party

A longtime staple of University life, it’s nonetheless taken me ‘til my junior year to discover the joys of house parties. Without the dress code of downtown or the pressure of the prying eyes of police, they are — as it turns out — a far easier way to have a good time with a dozen of your closest friends. Indeed, my favorite night of this semester came courtesy of a house: a one-story down Pulaski with a magical wraparound and the comfiest outdoor couch you’ve ever seen.

Laying there in late-summer surrounded by friends and their cheap drinks, I realized: there are worse ways to spend college.

This concludes our countdown. If you haven’t seen yesterday’s post, check it out to see the editors’ favorite articles of the year. Otherwise, have a safe and merry New Year’s Eve. We’ll see you in 2012, when we’ll have a handful of surprises to deliver!

• 31 December 2011
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