As the final days slip by with a strange lack of bravado, I have busied myself tying up loose strings and passing torches to my peers who will carry on after I leave the Capstone. After four years of pouring myself into this university and its various programs, I have nothing left to do but reflect and move on to the next step.

Of the knowledge I’ve gained, I am most intrigued that great leaders aren’t always brilliant, charismatic or extremely organized, but they invariably surround themselves with key people who support and strengthen them. I wish I was able to list all of the people who have impacted my life greatly here, but I will force myself to choose three archetypal friends who I have directly or indirectly worked with. Though the faces and names will change for you, everyone needs these people whom I have dubbed my own Charlie’s Angels, or Richard’s Angels if you will.

Everyone needs a Charlotte Brown. It’s impossible to walk into a room and not light up when you see Charlotte. Even when she is having an awful day, she can make you feel happy and special. She doesn’t just listen to you but seeks to understand. She’s dedicated to her work and always willing to put in any level of effort to achieve her goals. Jessica Kuperberg and I, as well as anyone involved in the Community Service Center, wouldn’t know how to function without you in our lives.

Everyone needs a Kayla Lisenby. I served this past year as The Anderson Society president, and I can thank Kayla for helping me keep my sanity. She doesn’t just carry out delegated tasks, but anticipates the need for them. I know that whenever there is extra responsibility to be taken up, Kayla is willing and able to make sure things get done. The Anderson Society members, hundreds of freshmen and half of the student affairs workers on campus are all indebted to her big heart.

Everyone needs a Shannon Lindamood. I’ve met few people in my life who have actually made me pause to appreciate their skill as a leader and supporter. Whenever I ask Shannon to do something, it is done and done well. There is a lot of talent on this campus, but few whom I can wholeheartedly trust to achieve excellence each and every time. There are moments in life when you will be at your breaking point and need guaranteed support or advice from someone. For me, that’s Shannon Lindamood.

I can’t imagine what my life would be like without these girls, even more so without the dozens of other friends who encourage and inspire me. One of my favorite quotes comes from Moulin Rouge (don’t hate because it’s actually a great movie): “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” I’ve won departmental, university and national awards in the four years I’ve been at the University, but the first stories I’ll tell are about the people I love and those who loved me. It’s a lesson you’ll never find in a textbook or on Wikipedia, but in the hearts of the people around you. Choose your Angels wisely.

Richard Cockrum is a senior majoring in chemistry.