Top 20 Reasons Why Crystal Triplett is the Best Boss Ever

Crystal Triplett - October 2, 2019

It's hard to find good quotes about saying goodbye. Most of them assume only boyfriends will leave you, and some of them are just plain rude. For those out there who need a decent one, just say, "Goodbye and see you again". It's straight and to the point. It's a promise that you'll meet again in the future. Sometimes that's all you need.

~Jasmine Barlow

I don’t accept it. I’m in denial. It was shocking news, and I’m trying not to be sad. She’s doing her best not to cry, so I’ll do the same (silently crying in my head). My boss, Crystal Triplett, the Learning Commons Office and Project Coordinator is leaving Coe today, to go to Minnesota. I’m happy for her, we all are, but I’m going to miss her a lot. Writing tends to come easy to me, but it’s hard to describe how much a person means to you when they have to go. She’ll come back to visit from time to time, and eventually I will graduate, but for now, let’s remember for all the great work she’s done and for being the most amazing version of herself she could possibly be. 

1. Crystal is more than a boss, she’s a friend, someone I can talk to about my stress as a college student who has to do more than just be a college student. 
2. Her office is fun, decorated nicely with lots of stationary around to give it a pleasant aesthetique. Her fish and her plants, the boxes of tea and the boxes of ramen all come together, somehow, in a cohesive fashion. 
3. She’s a mentor, a woman in the working world with kids, friends, and so many obligations that she manages effectively. She knows what’s up, and keeps her priorities in check, because she’s strong. 
4. She cares about me, and she’s not even related to me. 
5. She lets me be free with my writing, and gives me the autonomy and independence that I need to be creative. 
6. I find myself looking for her when I have the time, because I want to talk to her. We all need someone we can turn to for advice. 
7. She’s how a boss should be: someone you can talk to, someone who gets things done, someone who takes the initiative, and someone knows how her team works (and builds from their talents and experiences). 
8. She keeps everyone in check. 
9. She talks to you like you’re her equal, not in a way that makes you feel inferior. 
10. The Learning Commons has become so different since she started working her at the end of my freshman year. I worked in the coffee shop, and we were always having issues with student workers bailing on their shifts, not handling orders correctly, not saving receipts, and, worst of all, not cleaning up! She turned it into a true coffee shop and an established place on campus. 
11. When alumni come to visit, they are surprised that the Learning Commons even exists, because the library itself was divided differently (changes from renovations done a few years ago). Since she's basically the face of the LC, everyone gets to talk to her to learn all the details. 
12. She created the position of Digital Content Writer so that students could earn their work study through writing, gaining experience for possible careers. 
13. She named the coffee shop “Common Grounds” and I don't remember it having a name before. She also encouraged student input since we're all adults and deserve chances to act like it. 
14. She always had peppermints, that were eaten in droves during the fall and winter. 
15. She offered projects to earn extra work study hours by hanging posters or helping with events. Things come up and you may not earn your full work study otherwise. 
16. She always, always speaks positively of student workers, and shares her honest opinions with us.
17. She encouraged me to learn how to drive and took me to the DMV (twice) to get my driving permit, and my Iowa state ID. (Iowa resident now, I can caucus now!) 
18. She knows she can count on me, and tell me so I feel that I’m doing enough (I struggle to know if I am). 
19. She organized our LC retreats so we could all get together to discuss our options, plans, and expectations; we also ate a ton of pizza together. 
20. She’s the best boss ever, and yes this counts as a reason for her being the best boss ever. I will fight you if I have to. The debate is on. 

I miss her already, even though she’s still here for today. It’s important to do what’s best for you, even if some people want you to stay. Spread your wings and fly! If you love someone, let them go! Let them be happy, and let them decide for themselves what will make them happy! She was my first mentor. I’m 20 years old now, so I’ve had her for almost two years. It’s time to be a big girl. Soon she'll be a mentor and inspiration to other young people. Who knows what next week will bring? No matter what, I’ll stay motivated to work towards my ambitions, and make her proud. If you’ll miss Crystal when she’s gone, leave a comment down below, and don’t forget to follow the Learning Commons on our social media. I’ll try to remember to post about her visits, but for now I wish her only the best wishes!

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