Hey Cuties,

So I thought about having an “Oprah” themed goodbye blog – complete with me sharing my words of wisdom and a tearful farewell as I walk through the crowd and kiss Steadman and hug all of my coworkers. But then I realized two things.

1. I don’t have a tangible crowd to walk through, a Steadman to kiss, (I think Oprah herself would get a little mad if I did) or television show coworkers.

2. This isn’t the end, it’s merely the beginning.

While I am no Oprah, this past year as an ITO has been one I will never forget. Taking on this position has certainly been one of the most challenging obstacles of my life, and I am truly grateful for this experience. In addition, I am so thankful to Sarah, Susan, John, Bobby, JerBer, McGoo, and Nancy for being the greatest ITS friends I could ask for J While I am certainly excited to meet new, precious people at ITF, I will never forget going backstage at Wicked, “getting lei-ed” at the BC/EFA market, saran wrapping Craig’s chair, (oops, did I just admit to doing that? Oh well ;)) sketchy smells in hotels, the famous video diaries, and seven of the sweetest, most creative people I have ever met.

As you prepare for the 2011 festival, take a moment to breathe in what you’re about to go through. Is this your first festival? I remember mine like it was yesterday. I was a newly elected SSO and about to be a junior in high school. I allowed myself to be open to every experience imaginable, and came away from that festival with new friends, ideas, and a stronger sense of who I was as a person. Is this your last festival? Since I’m not majoring in theatre in college and won’t be in high school anymore (duh), this will be my last ITF. Although I know what to expect by now, I know that no two festivals are the same, and that I will come away from next week with much more to offer my community and world.

I have spent most of tonight making outfit lists (yes, I’m a list maker, don’t judge) for this ITF and I truly can’t believe it’s my last one. Like I said, I’m no Oprah, but if I had any advice to offer you about festival in general, I would tell you to completely open yourself up to meeting new people, trying new things, and SAYING HEY TO ME! You should totally do it J Make sure to come by the ITO table, attend EVERY dance, and bid on your favorite items at the live & silent auctions! If I remember correctly, Oprah ended her last show by saying, “I won’t say goodbye, I’ll just say ‘until we meet again’.” Well readers, “until we meet again”… at FESTIVAL 2011 HOLLAAAA!

Love love love,

Ariel