Of all the things I've done at Auburn, I've received no greater honor than the title of Plainsman editor.
When I was given the editorship last spring, I was hungry to make a change.
I wanted to revive the Twitter account, create a blog, increase multimedia, fix the website, etc.
As I look back, I accomplished some of those goals, but many still hang in the balance.
A friend recently asked me if I thought I was a good editor, and to be honest, I don't know.
Taking on this job was scary as hell, and most of the time I was trying not to mess everything up.
What I do know is that The Plainsman family taught me what it means to be a journalist.
From late night copy sessions to spastic Wednesday afternoons, I've had the privilege of calling some of the hardest working people at Auburn my staff and my friends.
While some of them are moving on to different things, I hope they will look back at The Plainsman with only the fondest memories.
For the group staying behind, take advantage of everything the Plainsman has to offer.
Be bold.
Try new things and don't be afraid of the consequences. Greatness happens when you aren't afraid to be great.
Challenge everything. If there is one thing I regret, it was not pushing the envelope harder on the "serious" issues.
The University isn't your friend. You're the watchdog. Act as such.
Never give up.
There will be days when pages shut down unexpectedly, and it's five minutes until deadline, but carry on. The rewards will be far greater than the stress pimples.
Most of all, treat The Plainsman with respect. To quote football coach Gene Chizik, "This place was made great before you got here."
As I finish the last thing I will ever write for The Plainsman, I feel a debt of gratitude for all of the things it has provided me.
Thanks for the good friends. I'll never forget my New York ladies, new and old.
Thanks for the knowledge and leadership skills that have helped build my college and professional career.
Thanks for turning a goofy sophomore journalism major into a confident journalism graduate.
As for next year's editor, I'll leave you with the last sentiment the previous editor-in-chief Rod Guajardo left me--give'em hell.
War damn Plainsman.
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