As we all know, however, graduation is a bittersweet crossroads. To move up in the world, often you must move away. And moving away is what most of us are doing this Summer. From Boston to Berkeley, from Richmond to Rochester, we are venturing out into the world. Some of us are going to graduate school. Some of us are debuting in the career world. All of us are becoming better human beings.

As for yours truly, I am leaving for Los Angeles this Summer. I have been accepted to study Controls and Robotics as a graduate student at the University of Southern California. I am excited to make this fresh start in a new city. I am also thrilled about the opportunity to continue teaching. As my friends know, teaching is one of my favorite activities. Many of you I have had the privilege of teaching, but I want you to know that I have learned from all of you. You have all played significant roles in my life. I came to the University of Washington when I was little more than a boy. And now, after six years as a Husky, I continue on as a man. I suppose soon enough, my UW account, along with my special little archive of E-mail memories, will disappear into the electronic ether. So in parting, I want to take this opportunity with my webpage to say thank you.

Whether you have been my teacher or my student, my boss or my parent, my special someone, or my friend, thank you. Thank you for making the last six years so important . . . so special for me. I have been truly blessed, and I pray that you are just as blessed in life. I don't believe there is such thing as a final goodbye. After all, my home will always be Seattle. So until we meet again, drive safely, watch the sun set, smile, and take it easy.

-Jake