Closing Time

I’m not crying now. I did not cry at the meeting. I can, however, say with great assurance that before the end of the evening, I will probably shed a few.

Today was our last staffwide meeting of the year. I know we should all be rejoicing that the school year is almost over, we’re all almost done with school (well…maybe not all of us), etc. However, I couldn’t help feeling a little melancholy. This is the last meeting I will preside over as editor-in-chief of The Battalion. My “reign,” so to speak, is coming to an end.

Like I told my staff: it’s been a long, hard year. I’ve never been more stressed in my entire life. Grades have plummeted. Friends have fallen by the wayside because they can’t handle my total lack of availability or the weird hours I keep. I rarely get to go home.

However, it has truly been the most rewarding year of my life. I have learned and grown so much in this past year–I really feel like it’s impossible to chart the changes that have taken place within me since assuming this position. I completely and totally appreciate and admire every single person I work with, and every person and situation this job has brought me into contact with. Words cannot summarize the wealth of knowledge and experience I have gained from having this job. 

Much like the saying used to identify the distinction between Aggies and non-Aggies, in relation to this job: from the outside looking in, you can’t understand it. And from the inside looking out, you really–you just can’t explain it.

This year has been phenomenal. I will miss you all. I have loved every minute of this job, even the unbearable ones. I don’t regret a single decision. I don’t wish I could have done anything differently. I’ve accepted the mistakes and gains I have made for this paper, and will take the time I’ve spent here and move on, constantly learning from them.

To my staff: you have all touched me on such a deep level. I know I joke around with you guys, but you are seriously the most important people in my life aside from my family and childhood friends. I spend pretty much every waking moment with you guys. You’re all so incredible. I truly believe that any one of you can do whatever you want.

To the student body: Thank you for giving me the challenges and encouragement I needed to help me excel at my job. This paper wouldn’t exist without you guys. Keep the comments coming–we will never get enough.

To my advisers at work (Cheri Shipman and Robert Wegener): You watched me develop from this meek, shy reporter who rarely spoke up to what I have become today. I wonder constantly what you saw in me when I used to sit in the back of the newsroom on those GA nights, and what caused you to push me to accomplish all I have today, and stand behind the decisions I chose to make. I appreciate you allowing me to fail sometimes, but stretching a safety net out behind me. Just in case. Without your support, I honestly don’t know where I would be today.

To the future staff of The Battalion: Please don’t undo all that we have worked so hard to get done (haha jk). Be prepared for the unexpected. Love what you do. Don’t get caught up in the politics or drama. And remember not to forget to live.

Thank you, Batt staffers, for the most amazing year of my life. I will never forget you.

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