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| Associate editors' parting words for staff, ASU |
 I
form attachments to things. I own shoeboxes and scrapbooks full
of pictures, cards, letters, ticket stubs, programs, stuffed animals,
dried flowers, receipts and even a crumbly senior-prom corsage.
These odd trinkets mean nothing to other people. Where others see
only boxes of paper scraps and dried flowers, I see friends, family,
events and special occasions.
During my four years at Appalachian State University, I have added
several new attachments and memories. I have experienced invaluable
life lessons, created precious friendships and come through more
than I gave myself credit for having strength to overcome.
Of all the attachments, none is cemented firmer than my connection
with The Appalachian.
That bi-weekly broadsheet with yellow spot-color has run me through
the gamut of emotions and taught me more than I ever expected to
learn when I first joined the staff.
I see the newspaper from the inside out. I know what it takes to
make this publication work and it’s not easy stuff. Where
other people see a newspaper on the racks twice weekly, I see the
efforts of a group of motivated and talented students.
These students work hard bringing their individual writing, photography,
design, editing and leadership styles to the paper. And, those who
are truly dedicated, leave it better than before.
To these people, I say thank you. You have worked hard this year.
Trust me, I know you have. Your labors have not gone unnoticed.
For those who are not returning, I hope you find luck in your future
endeavors.
For those returning, it has not always been a bed of roses, but
stick it out. It is all worth it in the end.
This job requires extra support, and if you are as lucky as I have
been this year, you will find that reinforcement on staff. Finding
a core group to offer constant support is key. My core, the "gynarchy,"
has remained consistent with its encouragement. This group of strong-willed
leaders have pushed me to levels I never imagined achieving. Without
their leadership and influence, this year would have been impossible.
Through them, I have come to realize and treasure the benefits of
friendship. Thanks, girls, you will all go far - no doubts there.
Next week, I leave Appalachian State, Boone and The Appalachian.
I walk away a much different person than I was when I entered Appalachian.
I owe a great deal of this transformation to the newspaper. My experiences
and friendships gained from my time here have given me the confidence
I need to move to the next level.
I have the confidence, but leaving is still no easy task. The attachment
is too strong to walk away without a backward glance.
My co-workers and I have invested hours of effort and tears into
this publication.
I know what it means to continue the tradition of excellence and
take it to heart.
This year, associate editor for production operations Jessica Hines,
editor-in-chief James Nix and myself have added our own chapter
to this tradition.
We now leave it to next year’s staff to write their own addition.
Next year’s staff is filled with talent and the drive to succeed.
Use these skills to the fullest. You will need every last bit to
keep the paper at its full potential.
To those who now own the keys to the newspaper, remember your roles.
Your leadership skills will be called on again and again next year.
You have the potential, and I have complete faith in your abilities.
I know these capable hands will keep The Appalachian running at
its best next year. I am depending on you.
And now, I will let go. I will put The Appalachian in a scrapbook
somewhere, and take it with me to Knoxville, Tenn. next year.
Hugh Kellenberger, it is all yours now.
Enjoy your job as associate editor for news operations next year.
Take care of the writers.
Remember, you are there to teach them how to be student journalists
and be a leader and friend. With your dedication to the paper and
gifts as a writer, you will do a wonderful job.
Everyone else, enjoy. Good luck and make the most of it all.
It will only be as good as the effort you invest into it, so I expect
to hear great things.
Oh, and September’s calendar needs to be pink.
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