After 81 issues with the Chimes, I guess it’s time to say goodbye.
I joined staff the second week of my first year at the university. I remember sitting in the bathroom of the CMC for 10 minutes before my first meeting started, trying to convince myself that there would be space for me in the newsroom.
Little did that version of me know what was to come in the following years.
Management has been one of the most time consuming and stressful jobs I have ever had. But, at the same time, it has been so rewarding. I cannot imagine what my life without journalism would look like now.
Due to this organization, I have had the coolest opportunities. I flew on an airplane for the first time, shook hands with the managing editor of The New York Times and built a portfolio so impressive that I could find a job in journalism easier than in my own degree.
While some experiences have become core memories, others taught me the harsh reality of how the world fears journalism. The Chimes censorship scandal was the first time I realized the power journalism had.
We have the power to uplift voices on campus that otherwise would not have a platform. We have the power to hold individuals accountable for their actions. While often there are no repercussions for these actions, at least they are out in the open.
Informing the public should always be a reporter’s main goal. Being able to lead this organization with that goal and utilize these powers has been an absolute privilege.
My time with the Chimes would not have been what it was without the people alongside me.
To Heather Barr-Burgoon and Sydney Deibert, I thank you for trapping me in layout.
First-year me would not have developed the love for journalism I currently have without your leadership. Even now, you both have helped me guide my staff this past year by answering late night phone calls, telling me InDesign controls and supporting the publication. I still mourn our COVID-19-stolen New York trip and “Twilight” marathon.
Thank you to my amazing staff for this past year, especially my management team. Anthony, Ava, Callie, Parken, Trinity and Kevin have been my rocks throughout this crazy year.
Leading you has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had and I am so proud of each story, layout and social media post we created this year. We are Ohio News Media winners and for the first time, we became National Collegiate News Media winners. These accomplishments alone show how we worked our a**** off (sorry, Kelly, for the language).
A huge thank you goes to our advisor, Kelly Messenger.
Without you, this all would not be possible. The way you have supported me the last four years has been, at times, the only support I have received from the university. It did not go unnoticed. You have always encouraged me to not only learn how to navigate the newsroom, but how to lead it as a woman.
Lastly, thank you to our readers. Without you, there would be no need for the Chimes. We appreciate every comment, good or bad.
I cannot wait to see what the future holds for next year. Adrian and Samaree, I know you will be great leaders for this organization. Remember your ethics, AP stylebook and to ALWAYS save your pages as you go during layout week.
Looking back, there are so many memories that if I were to write them all down, this article would be so long Callie would give up on copy editing.
So cheers to issue 82, my last official publication with the Chimes.
