I do humorous columns about grammar better than I do sappiness. But as my college career draws to a close, I am compelled to write about the people who shaped my college experience and taught me more than I could have ever hoped to learn about journalism and life: my staff.
Emerald employees are some of the hardest working people on the planet. They are full-time students who often work full-time hours, or more. Reporters and editors deal with unpredictable, grueling schedules. Copy editors and designers deal with consistently crappy hours and lack of recognition and appreciation. As college students, they all deal with tumultuous personal lives. People who stick with the Emerald are dedicated, smart individuals who will achieve great things. To top it off, they make me laugh and provide great friendship and bar company.
If I had unlimited space, I would mention 100 different Emerald staffers and how they changed my life. Unfortunately I have to limit myself to individually recognizing those that affected me the most.
First, there are two individuals who have worked with me since one year ago when I began my upper-management career as editor in chief for the summer of 2005: Senior News Reporter Nicholas Wilbur and Sports Editor Shawn Miller. These two made my job a piece of cake, and they’ve been making my life easier ever since. Both of them amaze me with what they are able to accomplish. Throughout my career at the Emerald I have repeatedly found myself astounded by how talented and intelligent the people in the newsroom are, and this trend began with Nicholas and Shawn. Both have put up with an unimaginable amount of abuse – from members of the public as well as coworkers. Both have given adversity the middle finger countless times and done their jobs despite obstacles. I’d be proud of myself if I thought I could take any credit for their work, but instead I am just proud of them. Shawn doesn’t need to hear this from me, but I know he is going to make it, and it’s going to be awesome. Nicholas is one of the most inspirational people in my life, and I will carry his insight with me throughout my career.
My news editors were here when I began working for the Emerald two years ago. Though both were pursuing higher callings last summer, they’ve seen me grow from a timid, insecure copy chief to a person that would run for editor in chief and managing editor. Both encouraged me and had a hand in helping me get where I am. Steven Neuman’s main contribution to that was making me laugh when I needed it most and enjoying the ridiculous side of life with me time and time again. Jared Paben’s contribution was becoming one of my closest friends and providing me with emotional support, journalistic insight and a reliable drinking buddy. I thank my lucky stars that I will still have his support and expertise to draw from as we move on to internships at the same newspaper.
Reporters are some of the most amazing people on the planet, and the names listed with that title in the staff box on page two are excellent evidence of this statement. One such name is Susan Goodwin, whose evolution as a reporter has been an amazing sight to behold. She exemplifies what it is to be a strong, honest woman and inspires me to try to do the same. Fellow graduating senior Scott J. Adams has been a joy to edit, much like all the sports reporters. They all have consistently good attitudes and a willingness to work hard and learn.
Everyone on the design and copy editing desks – I wish I could name them all individually – has amazing work ethic and stamina. They have to have it to withstand working on the night staff. They are the reason our paper hits the stands every day, yet they never get recognized by the public, and they certainly don’t get recognized by their bosses and coworkers enough. They do their jobs because they believe in what they are doing, and I admire each and every one of them.
Last of all, the photo desk. The lifeblood of our visual presentation. A photographer’s schedule is tough to handle because it means being ready to drop everything and be there the moment something newsworthy happens. Even though photos often provide the most compelling content in our paper, they are the first to get cut for space. I hope all my hard-working photographers understand how important and appreciated their work is, even though it sometimes doesn’t reach the public. The creativity and intelligence on the photo desk impress me, to say the least. I am often awestruck by the work my photographers can produce if they are challenged and given creative license.
I have learned more from my staff in the past year than I learned from all of my professors. No offense to them, I’ve had some really great professors, but they can’t teach me how to be a good manager or how to put out a newspaper when three people are sick and the network is down. Best of luck to next year’s editor in chief, Ryan Knutson. I know you’ll do a good job because you can work harder than almost anyone. Sorry for all the baby animal nicknames.
I can’t say goodbye because I will carry lessons from the University and the Emerald with me into every facet of my life from now on. But I can say thank you. Thank you, Emeraldians, for challenging me, helping me, teaching me and inspiring me. And for keeping me sane by making sure I always had people to drink with at Max’s and Rennie’s.