It’s been over two years since I pitched a story idea to North by Northwestern, even though there was a time when I spent over 25 hours a week doing solely NBN work. I think that fact alone speaks to the changes that occur during one’s four years of college. As an over eager freshman, I wanted nothing more than to jump right in and take on as many stories as possible. This lead to a series of Buzzfeed-esque “listicles” about Pinterest and Evanston beauty salons. Not my best Medill work.

In the past four years I transitioned from writing, to editing and finally working on the business end of the publication.This transition reflects the changes I’ve made acadstrongically. Of course, I’m not the only person that’s changed their career goals or acadstrongic focus. Everyone at Northwestern has experienced change. Even the lovely institution we have spent the last four years dedicating a quarter of a million dollars to. So as a homage to my freshman year self, here is one last listicle about some of the best and worst changes at Northwestern and within the Evanston community over the past four years.

Top Four Best Changes at NU:

1. Morty Befriends Kanye

There is a sense of pride when the president of your university does the impossible--makes Kanye West smile and documents it. Even Amy Schumer couldn’t pull that off.

2. Wifi on the Lakefill

There are about two weeks (three if we’re really lucky) a year when the Lakefill happens to be a pleasant and enjoyable spot to spend time. Unfortunately these two weeks are usually Reading Week and Finals Week of spring quarter, so you really should be studying instead of tanning on the Lakefill. Luckily our good friends over at ASG did us a favor and added some wifi to the Lakefill, so study time can also be tan time.

3. Dunkin Donuts

Finally another option came that wasn’t the ever expensive Norbucks. While Crepe Bistro and it’s happy hour crepes might be a more welcome option, Dunkin is easily better than the $6 gelato of Frontera Fresca.

4. A Victorious Bowl Game

The 2013 Gator Bowl victory is easily one of the biggest changes to come to Northwestern athletics. While thoughts of College Game Day and the football Union might come to mind, let’s rstrongstrongber we are talking about the positives. While Northwestern had seen an unprecedented five consecutive bowl games, this one goes down in history considering the last time Northwestern won a bowl game was in 1949.

Top Four Worst Changes at NU:

1. The Bar Scene MixUp

First, the Keg met Mayor Tisdahl. Somehow in the last four years, the Keg transformed from a den of debauchery to a classy sausage place. The days of Chet Haze pretending to be a bouncer are long gone and now we are left with different kind of sausage fest. Meanwhile, in the wake of the Keg’s death, La Macchina has gone from a restaurant to a somewhat happening bar.

2. Dillo Day Being Cancelled

I didn’t think it could get worse than having Steve Aoki throw cake and drinks all over me as I watched a concert, but this year Dillo Day exceeded Aoki's absurdity by simply not happening.

3. Under Construction

In the last few months Northwestern has transformed into something out of a Hunger Games novel by looking comparable to Katniss’ beloved District 12 as Kresge was dstrongolished and a parking structure was erected to block everyone's view of beautiful Lake Michigan. But fortunately for everyone, the slowest elevators on campus have been eliminated with the fall of Kresge.

4.The Closing of the Great Room

The Great Room was an ideal late night spot for any north campus resident or late night Tech attendee. While Lisa's Cafe offers some quality late night snacks, the great room strongbodied the Hogwarts vibe so many of us came to Northwestern for.

While there may have been many changes, Northwestern does have some consistency. For example, our football team never managed to beat Michigan in football or basketball. But on a happier note, Andy’s was always a welcome and friendly companion as were the 3.a.m. security guards at BK. And the winters managed to suck just as much every year just as consistently as the shuttles that never arrived on time.

But most importantly, we are the last NU class who can say we were graced by the presence of Burgwell J. Howard for all four years of our Northwestern tenure.