I’ve been with the publication for about three years, now, but it feels like it’s been much longer than that.
When I joined The Sting as Web Editor, things were a lot different: Student Media had a board that put all the big decisions to a vote; everyone in an editorial position got paid; we put our magazines out monthly.
Though much has changed and despite all the struggling we’ve done, I’m happy that I’ve been able to be a part of this continued effort to improve the college experience for students attending KSU. During my tenure as Editor-in-Chief, I’ve neither been the strongest nor the most charismatic of leaders, but it’s been a good experience through and through. I’m grateful to have had the rotating cast of characters who’ve helped me in this production and am deeply proud of those who’ve persevered through the most difficult times.
It’s no secret that we don’t have as big of a following as The Sentinel or Owl Radio – and we certainly don’t have the same pressure on us as the former to deliver a quality product. However, neither of these facts detract from my belief that we create quality content and are doing something truly good. In fact, I would argue that the publication is on-par with its siblings in the KSU Student Media family.
My team – our team – has spit in the face of adversity to serve the student body, regardless of how many people have been paying attention to us, and I think that’s nothing short of commendable. The Peak have, time and time again, exemplified the spirit of perseverance.
Though I am tired now, after my long stay, I know that I will miss working alongside these wonderful people who’ve helped me shape The Peak into what it is today.
Thank you for reading.
There likely won’t be a Student Media Awards this year, due to budgetary constraints, so I’d like to use some of the space in my extended farewell letter to give praise to the individual members of my staff. It’s not my intention to show any favoritism, but I feel that withholding my feelings about people who’ve been on longer and worked harder would be a disservice to them.
Jessica Brummel, our Managing Editor and soon-to-be Interim Editor-in-Chief, has worked with the magazine on-and-off for the past couple of years. I appreciate her continued loyalty to the publication. Moreover, she’s been an invaluable source of information when I’ve needed it (she was Managing Editor prior to my term as EiC) and whenever I’ve faltered, she’s taken the reins from me and kept the momentum going.
Millena Silva, our Creative Marketing Director, has been onboard about as long as I have, and has consistently been the most reliable person whenever we’ve held events on either of the campuses. Her continued enthusiasm for Student Media has been a source of inspiration for me when I’ve questioned why I do this, and I know she will continue to be an asset until the end.
Camille Reaves, our Layout Editor and Science & Tech Editor, has been with us for nearly two years and I can honestly say that nobody, save for one former Layout Editor, has worked as hard as her since I joined the magazine. She’s worked several long nights to meet deadlines, obsessed over every little detail (pre- and post-print), and has gone the extra mile to make sure that the publication is a well-oiled machine.
Sabrina Finnegan, our Entertainment Editor, has been with us for well over a year. She’s worked tirelessly, not just to create quality content, but also in assisting Camille with crafting the print edition of the magazine. I don’t know if she realizes that I’ve noticed her working behind the scenes, but I have, and it means a lot to me that she’s worked outside of the parameters of her position to help deliver stellar content.
While I have less to say about the next few individuals, who all have being on the staff for less than a semester in common, I want them to know that I sincerely appreciate the work they’ve done and wish I had more time to get to know them.
Robert Thomas, our Student Life Editor, has graduated and thus, will no longer be on the team, but in the little bit of time I’ve gotten to know him, I’ve come to admire his proactive approach to getting the details for a story. He’s proven to be very detail-oriented, which is important, especially as Student Life Editor. Whenever he’s needed a quote, he’s gone the whole nine yards to get it. Robert will surely be missed.
Shannon Mayembe, our Health Editor, has been a joy to be around and also has done some excellent reporting in her field; in my opinion, she’s revitalized the Health section. She keeps her ear to the ground and covers stories I’ve never even heard about! Her penchant for uncovering the obscure has, and will continue to, make her an asset on this team.
Anna Maltos, our Photo Editor, has accomplished the difficult task of restoring the photo team to its former glory and has consistently taken excellent photographs. Her images have been a wonderful fit for the magazine, given their quality, and I am totally confident she will also continue to be an asset to this team.
Last, but certainly not least, I’d like to thank Matthew Mitchell, Shereida Austin, Josh Eastwood, and Ed Bonza for their assistance over the past year and a half. All of them have been monumentally helpful to me, as Editor-in-Chief, and I don’t think I could’ve handled this publication without them.