Four years ago, the then-Plainsman adviser said something I haven’t forgotten.
“Your apartment is where you sleep,” he said. “This office is where you live.”
He was right.
I’ve dedicated the last few years years of my life to this paper, at the expense of my grades and social life. I believe I’ve earned the right to publish a sappy, self-indulgent column during my last week.
To The Plainsman’s 2016-17 editorial staff: You are all incredible. I’m constantly amazed at your talent and dedication.
To our readers: Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to pick up a paper or click on a link. You have the right to fair and balanced news. We’ve done our best to provide you with reliable University and community coverage.
As I reflect on my time here, certain people come to mind.
My editors — Kelsey Davis, Becky Hardy and Jim Little — who encouraged me to become a better writer and who showed me there isn’t one right way to lead.
My advisers — Alec Harvey and Austin Phillips — who believed in me when I definitely didn’t believe in myself.
My managing editor, Dakota Sumpter, who did everything I couldn’t. He did a thankless job, but he did it well.
My successor, Chip Brownlee, couldn’t be more qualified. I’m so excited to see how the paper grows and changes under his leadership.
I started working at The Plainsman one month into my freshman year. The 18-year-old I was when I walked into this office for the first time four years ago wouldn’t recognize who I am today. This newspaper has changed me as a writer and as a person.
During the last few years, The Plainsman has also undergone serious changes. Some have benefitted the paper, others have not.
But this newspaper has been a pillar at Auburn University since 1893. For almost as long as the University has existed, its students have relied on The Plainsman for fair and balanced news, often in the face of administrative pressure. Readers can rest assured this won’t change anytime soon. As long as there are dedicated student journalists who work tirelessly to report the news, The Auburn Plainsman will remain “A Spirit that is Not Afraid.”
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