So this is the end of the line. Let’s get this over with.
I joined the Advance-Titan four years ago — back when COVID-19 still had us all wearing masks. In fact, I joined by accident.
My original intention was to write one article to fulfill a class requirement. But I got roped in afterward, and I figured I had better try my hand at journalism if I aimed to make it a career.
From an ignorant staff writer to becoming a slightly more competent (and perhaps too indifferent) managing editor, it was a long ride. Writing for the A-T took me across the country: I saw the esteemed Watergate journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein speak in Washington D.C., and I talked to New York Times editors and stared down the most outrageous beer prices in New York City.
I’ve certainly learned a lot over the years from the work the papers required. There are bastions-worth of experiences you gain from running a student newspaper, and I’m grateful for it all — including issuing corrections, last-minute problems, difficult sources and everything in between. I probably wouldn’t be 1% as capable as I am had it not been for the paper.
The A-T has also given me some of my closest friends and fondest college memories, many of which I can’t imagine being allowed to print.
But some of my fondest memories are the simplest, such as grabbing a drink after a long night of editing the paper — when editing didn’t take until 4 a.m. to finish — or grabbing $1.50 burgers from Molly McGuire’s on Thursdays.
Really, I guess, the A-T gave me the best of every world.
Typically, there’s supposed to be a whole section in these listing people’s names and saying something, but after four years of the newspaper, there’d be too many people to list, quite frankly. To save some time and not exclude anyone, then, I’ll just say something about all of the current editors whom I’ve seen every Tuesday night during my last semester.
First, the editor-in-chief, Jacob Link — the only person at the A-T who’s been there longer than me: Don’t have too much fun without me next semester, and make sure to have a few beers after every issue for me.
To the news editor, Vladyslav Plyaka, keep vibing and enjoying your production-night Zyns.
To the assistant news editor, Isaac Pischer, keep being a diligent journalist and writing tons of stories. News definitely needs it.
To the sports editor, Zach Bellin, keep grinding and doing good work. You’ll always be known as “The Thing” to me.
To the other sports editor, Nolan Andler, keep pushing yourself and working hard. I was always jealous of the Culver’s you’d buy every production night.
To the assistant sports editor, Dylan Przybylski, don’t distract Jacob and “The Thing” too much. I’m sure you’ll do really well stepping up to sports editor next semester.
To the arts & culture editor, Cassidy Johnson and opinion editor Suzanne Dawood, thanks for putting up with all our rambunctious antics, including (but not limited to): watching “Family Guy” in the office, listening to copious amounts of Kendrick Lamar and 21 Savage and no shortage of crazy office conversations.
And finally, to our copy desk chief, Izaac Downie, thanks for putting up with our stories and fixing them up. I’m sure you wanted to pull your hair out sometimes. I know I did.
All right. That’s it. Sayonara.
