Orange & Blue

Issue date: 4/27/07 Section: Opinion

Anna White, Editor [Click to enlarge]

As I sit down to write this article, I am struck with several emotions because this is my final editorial that I will write for the O&B. I have been blessed with this opportunity to serve you for the past year and I have to admit that I have learned more than I could have ever imagined, however my life is taking me in another direction and I will be giving up my responsibilities as editor next year.

One year ago I stepped into this position with little experience editing and absolutely no clue to what I had committed myself. The first paper of the year entailed a long night of formatting considering that we were up until 7 in the morning in order to complete the layout and send it to the printer. After this I thought that it was going to be the longest year of my life!

Luckily each paper became easier as I learned more and became familiar with my staff and the process of editing and formatting a newspaper. After much reflection I have come to the conclusion that despite the fact that I have learned that journalism is not exactly what I want to do with my life, I have discovered many of my strengths that will aid me in the future. Personally, I love to organize and make sure that all of the details are taken care of in a project. This strength was not only helpful this year, but will also be imperative upon my graduation in the field of event planning. After thinking of the events of the past year, I have come up with my top ten list of lessons I have learned as editor of the Orange & Blue.

1. Flexibility to change plans is always necessary

2. I can't control everything and everyone

3. Clear communication is imperative

4. People are unpredictable

5. Constructive criticism is essential for constant improvement

6. Team work is indispensable to complete a project- in other words…I can't do it all!

7. Personality differences CAN compliment each other

8. Formatting a newspaper can take anywhere from 3 hours to 18 hours

9. Journalistic writing is not one of my strengths

10. Someone has to deal with the details

The biggest lesson that I have learned this year, however, is that sometimes we are given opportunities in life that may not be our passion, but will teach us skills and prepare us for the future. I have been blessed with this opportunity to be editor because it has taught me lessons of organization, how to work through frustration, enabled me to be flexible and go with the flow, as well as know how to communicate with others. All of these skills will be imperative to me as I head out into the work world and I would have never learned them at this young of an age without being editor. I encourage each and everyone on this campus to take opportunities that are presented in order to learn and grow. You never know what you will learn and how God will use each moment in our lives to open doors and prepare us for future moments. Take every moment as a lesson to learn and grow for the future and know that in all things God works to prepare us for what he has in store.

So thank you for allowing me to have this position and not only to serve you as a community but also to be able to learn more than I ever could imagine. I have grown to have a better appreciation for the news media and have been able to take the events that occur here on campus and inform you of the news both locally and on a national level. I will be forever appreciative for this opportunity that I have had to serve, inform, and learn exponentially.

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