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| Associate editors' parting words for staff, ASU |
 I
wake every morning and think about it.
When I go out with friends, it comes up.
It has influenced my moods and emotions, and shaped the person I
have become.
My experiences this year at The Appalachian have meant more to me
than the rest of my college career at Appalachian State University.
In one year I have met some of the most talented writers, editors,
photographers and designers. In one year I have seen more criticism,
praise and ethical dilemmas thrown at me than I ever could have
imagined.
And I loved every minute of it.
I have learned the value of thick skin (something I’m sure
many public figures have yet to learn).
The most important thing I’ve learned is the power of friendship.
I could not have made it through this year without the support of
the people I see everyday: the staff.
Unlike a usual group of friends, I can come into the newspaper office
and encounter different viewpoints and topics that I would have
never encountered elsewhere. I can discuss the latest boyfriend
with a Delta Zeta, Corey Patterson’s homerun with a diehard
Cubs fan, tenets of faith with a zealous Christian, plaid versus
stripes with a fashionista or that last show with a hardcore rocker.
It makes me smile to see staff members become group members for
class projects, or meet for lunch everyday in the office.
I love knowing that I could have life-changing drama and there will
be someone in the office to take a field trip with, or help me with
the workload while I’m frazzled.
I love knowing that the strongest, most capable women I’ve
ever met are now a part of an intimidating force.
Comprised of four female leaders (and one honorary newspaper staff
member), the “gynarchy” combines the sensibility, patience,
talent, fiery temperament, ballsy bluntness, mob connections and
pure estrogen that cannot be denied.
Before I met these women, I lacked confidence. Now that I leave
these women, I know I can do whatever I set my sights at -- and
I can’t thank them enough.
Leaving this publication is painful.
I care too much about what will happen to it when I’m not
around to tend it.
The future of The Appalachian has great potential.
With a new look, I hope this publication will better serve its readers.
With a new leader, I can only hope that the legacies of the past
and the additions Carrie Baker, James Nix and I have contributed
will leave an impression.
To all the seniors, I wish you good jobs and unlimited sources.
To the returning staff, you are all talented and able. I am excited
to see what you will do after we’re gone.
As I close, I would like to leave a few words of wisdom (or lack
thereof) for those I shall no longer reign over:
-A staff works better when the majority of its members get along.
Friends are more likely to communicate, more likely to respect each
other and more likely to tell each other exactly what they’re
doing wrong.
-Just because you have the ability to print something doesn’t
necessarily mean you should. Yes, you may have the juiciest gossip
about an administrator, or the most scandalous photo, but you will
drag your name and the name of the newspaper down with your flaming
carcass.
-Everyone wants news coverage. Don’t promise it to anyone,
because there will always be a breaking news story that will bump
your story to the Internet. On the same note, everyone that wants
news coverage really wants a good public relations campaign.
-Every part of the newspaper is integral to its success. It may
seem like your job is the hardest, but without those people on the
other side of the partition there would be no newspaper.
-Shit happens. Servers crash, printers screw up, people miss deadline
and sources stop talking. Be prepared for it, and don’t let
it get to you.
Lastly, and perhaps the most important: this newspaper is not for
your personal glorification. You are here for the readers. Do not
let personal political aspirations or biases get in the way of serving
your readers.
And just for the record, I won the date with Brad Norman.
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