Imagine working tirelessly for hours on a final project. You’re proofreading, studying and checking all facts. Now take that final project, print it off 14,000 times and let everyone you know and hundreds of people you don’t know proofread it, judge it and tell you what you’ve done wrong. Do that everyday for an entire year. Then you understand what it is like to be the editor-in-chief of The Daily Mississippian.
This position is one of the most challenging tasks I have ever had in my life, but also one of the most rewarding. The people I have met, the places I’ve been, the things that I have learned, especially about myself, tell me every sleepless night was absolutely worth it. I knew coming into this position that I would grow as a writer, but I didn’t realize the extent to which I would grow as a person. My opinions on many issues have changed fundamentally just by witnessing sides of issues I hadn’t before.
Each story I covered brought a brand new perspective on the things happening around me. I remember getting a phone call over the summer when I was in Oxford and it was someone telling me the first same-sex marriage would be conducted in the next 10 minutes. I rushed over to the courthouse not really knowing what to expect, and it was a day that I’ll never forget. Before covering this story I was indifferent on the subject, but that changed when I saw genuine happiness and joy. This is what journalism is. Documenting and telling people what it was like to be in the room.
Covering the removal of the Mississippi state flag from campus gave me a new perspective on the topic as well. The flag may not offend you, but seeing the anger and the fear that is present in the eyes of those you interview showed me that there needed to be a change. So, together as a staff we wrote an editorial. We each wrote a column on why the state flag should be removed from our campus, putting pressure on the Associated Student Body and on the administration. The work my team put in to cover this story really showed me what journalism, and in particular this newspaper, can do for this state and for the nation. This paper is becoming a catalyst for change.
Everyone who knows me knows I wear the title of being editor of the DM as a badge of honor, but it’s not about the title. It’s about putting together a team of passionate reporters, teaching and preparing them to be better journalists. My staff was incredible and I have cried and will cry when I have to leave them behind. But trust me, I am leaving y’all in good hands. The new editor-in-chief Clara Turnage and managing editor Lana Ferguson are unbelievably talented and I just hope they put me to shame with how well they will do next year.
At a very young age I was always told I wasn’t a great writer. Time and time again, my writing failed to keep up with my peers. I was embarrassed and scared because I wasn’t getting any better, but I did get better. I want my story to encourage everyone who doubts themselves to go out there and give it your all because people will notice your hard work and your eagerness to get better.
My advice to the new staff and to those reading this column: things are never going to be easy, they will only get tougher. Just promise me that you won’t let that stop you. Take every negative thing people say or that happens to you and let if fuel you. This is your life. Who can tell you not to fulfill your dream?
Take risks because the safe way is not always the right way. I will, however, make a promise to you. Mark my words. One day you will be reading a story from a national or international source and my name will be attached to it. So, don’t look at this as a goodbye, but as a see you later.
