I have genuinely lost all sense of time, so I can’t believe I’m at the end of my newspaper journey. I started at The Vermilion in the spring of my freshman year. I always knew I wanted to be more involved in college, and I got the opportunity to apply. At the time, I was working for the University’s sports communications people, which I hated. I did both for a while, but as soon as I could hop ship, I never looked back.
Since then, I’ve been at the Verm for two and a half years, starting as an Allons writer, but moving to news pretty early on. Being a news writer has been quite the learning experience, so here are some things I have learned along the way. First, do not wait until days before the story is due to schedule an interview. Why have I done that? I don’t know, but don’t do it!
Next, schedule every email you want to send because if you don’t send it immediately, you won’t send it at all. I actually have nightmares about forgotten messages I didn’t send.
Lastly, don’t stress about deadlines. If it’s due Friday or Saturday, that actually means you have until Sunday because no one really checks. Just make sure the assignment is in on Sunday. Gonna give myself a pat on the back for always turning my work in, at some point.
Despite a few missteps along the way, I am happy to have finally reached auntie status in the Verm! I didn’t always know it would be like this. Obviously, a huge shoutout to Mr. Tarver! Mr. Tarver, you are the best advisor for any club on campus. Not only are you full of amazing wisdom, but your kindness and consideration for everyone on the Verm are what make it such a great place to work. This year has been especially challenging with the University’s unresolved budget issues, so your leadership and unwavering support for us have been beyond amazing. I am so grateful for you!
To everyone I have had the pleasure of working alongside these past years, thank you for your kindness and accepting nature. I have always been pretty shy, but being a part of the Verm has taught me that most people are chill, so I should relax. A very, very, very special shoutout to my other Vermilion half, Joann. Sister, I am so glad we were able to become such good friends. You are genuinely one of the smartest, kindest, and caring people I have ever met. I have loved writing, learning, and complaining beside you! Though I won’t be too far, I am excited to see where your talent takes you. No matter what, just remember you have earned every good thing that comes your way.
Here, I have learned that it truly takes a village. None of the work could have been done without the collaboration of all the talented people who have walked through our doors. I didn’t imagine my last year of working at the Verm would be so tumultuous, but I am so glad I made it to the end. Not sure if I’ll miss running around campus in khakis, with sweat dripping down my back, but being here now, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.