Writing a farewell column should be easy for me. I wrote one for this paper at the end of fall semester in 2006.
It was a difficult thing to write then.
It’s harder now.
In the spring of 2007, this campus learned David Ingram would become The Plainsman’s next editor.
I really did not want to come back, but David offered me my old job as Opinions Editor, and David Ingram is a difficult person to say “no” to.
I took the job with one condition. I told David we had to bring the fun back to this office. We had to bring back the idea of The Plainsman family.
One year later, I think we can safely put up the “Mission Accomplished” banner.
Monday evening, this staff went and cheered on one of our own, Kevin Saucier, to victory in the UPC Songwriting Contest.
As I looked down the line of Plainsman folks sitting on Foy lawn waiting for Kevin to come out and perform, I knew the damage had been corrected.
Here was a group of people who genuinely cared about how one of their fellow staffers did in this competition.
You have to love a group of people like that.
I know I do.
Over the course of this year, this staff has come together to form a wonderful, albeit incredibly strange, family.
Laughter fills this office once again, and that was a sound I honestly believed would never exist here again.
I want to say this shows The Plainsman’s staying power, and, on some level, it does.
One bad year cannot destroy this paper; eras of bad feelings can be replaced with candy drawers, cookie cakes and scores of inside jokes.
But, more than that, this group of people have shown me they certainly have what it takes to keep this good energy going, here and in the world at large.
Forgive the sappiness about to come your way, Auburn. I’m editorializing under the influence of nostalgia.
With this summer’s editor, Natalie Wade, I see a fiercely independent young woman who will not take guff from any one, not even yours truly (and I give pretty good guff). I pity the person who tries to best Natalie, because I can say with absolute certainty they will not succeed. I’d wish her luck, but I sincerely doubt she shall need it.
Julie Clark, Natalie’s summer Managing Editor and next year’s Intrigue Editor, is yet another force to be reckoned with. If she can withstand the nickname of “Beetis,” this kid can do anything.
My replacement at Opinions, Mr. Saucier, will do you proud, Auburn. He has already made me proud, and he hasn’t even officially started yet.
He writes a kinder, gentler editorial than me, but that will serve him well. Kevin’s point sneaks up on you and surprises you; mine bashes you over the head like a baseball bat.
Adam Cooner. I’ve known you since freshman year and you still never cease to amaze me with what your mind can come up with, be it the Kermoctopus or the Wehrs-a-saurus. Keep your good humor, sir. It does you well.
Lauren “Jane,” you are just too precious for words. A person like you often comes off as too saccharine sweet to my rather abrasive, negative personality, but you are a touch of grace and class in this office, like Barbara “The Deep Freeze” Bush.
Katie, you are the only Copy Editor I can recall that can also throw together a remarkable camel costume for a rag-tag theatrical production. I trust your ingenuity and creativity will serve you well as Managing Editor in the fall.
Jordan, any time I was able to make you laugh with a line in one of the editorials, I considered it a job well done. Remember to never doubt my word choices and always go to the OED if there’s a question.
Mallory, you are a bit of an enigma. I still have not entirely figured you out, but I’ve always known that to be a marvelous quality in a Campus Editor, so I have no worries there.
Anna, my fellow English major here in the land of journalism and AP stylebooks. I wish you well in your journeys; your pluck, gumption and style will see you through anything.
Brittany, ye of few words, at least to me. Anyone who is willing to put up with me and laugh at my truly awful jokes must be a genuinely good person.
Emily, you picked up the Intrigue baton after Kendra’s unfortunate leave, and did it all with unflinching style and grace. Any publication would be lucky to have you.
Blake, the fact you are transitioning from Intrigue to Sports would baffle and stupefy me, but I have no doubt you will do splendidly well there.
Ross, as a frat guy and a sports editor, I should not get along with you, as you are pretty much my polar opposite. I find it a testament to your kindness that we do get along well, and I am proud to call you friend, even if you pretend not to know us at the Q.
Alex, you’ve learned a lot this year, least of which that we’ve called you Melissa Joan since Week 2 here. Thank you for taking it with good humor. I think highly of you and expect great things from you at Sports next year.
Rachel, my dear, we are old people in this office full of children. You remember the April era and you were a fellow staffer-in-exile during that harrowing time. You are one of the best columnists I’ve worked with, and I always enjoyed when your name graced my Opinions pages.
Photo, I lump you all together because I’ve had limited contact with most of you. My section doesn’t really use your services, but I know you all to be great at what you do. Kudos to you all.
Ms. Keeley and Ms. Kim, I’ll miss seeing y’all every morning. It’s been a strange 3 years, filled with goats, Charleston Chews and the infamous Gummi Saver incident. Y’all are like my Plainsman mamas, so I’d be afraid not to keep in touch.
David, thank you for letting me come back. I value your friendship more than you will ever know, and I look forward to the day when I get to say to people: “I worked on a paper with David Ingram.”
Kendra, words cannot accurately express how much I depend on you. As you well know, words are a great pleasure of mine, so that statement is a telling one. I expect my usual daily phone call, even if you and Antrenise are out hitting up Talledega.
Kristi, the future Madame Editor, I have the highest faith in your ability to lead. I’ll miss our random political conversations, and if you ever need my endless list of family and family friend sources, you have my number. Remember you have a built-in support network that will always have your back.
Mr. Williams (or should I say Scarecrow), you I might miss the most of all. From sing-a-longs to lead-based Mexican candy, I can say it’s never been a dull moment. Enjoy your semi-retirement, but know I expect constant e-mails and updates about the neighbors, the department and the indomitable Ms. Windham.
Thank you for your time, Auburn, and for putting up with my craziness.
It has been a pleasure.
Cliff McCollum is Opinions Editor of The Auburn Plainsman. You can reach him at 844-9118.
