Honored to edit the Laney Tower
Editor-in-Chief's farewell
Reginald James
Issue date: 5/22/08 Last update: 5/22/08 at 6:28 PM PST
Section: OpEd
Editor-in-Chief-big title and a lot of responsibility.
As I sit here listening to Dennis Richmond's last broadcast, I am reminded of my finite Tower existence. This is my last issue of the Laney Tower.
This has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experience I've had during my time here at Laney.
The Tower has served Laney for over 55 five years and I am honoed to be a part of that legacy. And to think, it almost didn't happen.
I never thought that I would be the Editor of a newspaper. Growing up, I loved reading. But as I progressed through school, I was turned off to reading and writing.
Fortunately there were people who saw the innate greatness that we all possess, inside me. The transformation wasn't overnight, but in time, I learned to believe in my abilities and to forget the fear and embrace the faith.
If I tried to list all the people who helped me along my path, I would need at least 12 full pages.
I remember the first time I had a story in the Tower. The feeling of seeing my name in print inspired me to write more.
While my contributions were infrequent at best before last year, the Tower encouraged me to further develop my writing skills.
The Tower also led me to a greater appreciation of the media. Well, not the corporate owned media, those storytellers who risk personal retribution to tell the truth.
Our adviser Burt Dragin is, in the true sense of the word, an adviser. He trusts us to make editorial decisions and doesn't impede our right to free speech. It is a difficult balance, but he uses wisdom to teach and patience to reach.
As I listen to our editors sing "Lean on Me," it is definitely a bitter sweet feeling. While I will certainly enjoy having my life return to "normal" and not live on a bi-weekly cycle, I'm going to miss hanging out with these characters. They have taught me so much about leadership, communicating, and cooperation. I've learned how to have fun and handle business.
One of my biggest inspirations is former Editor-in-Chief Angelica Carapia. Her wisdom, her layouts, and her willingness to "muckrack," even at the perceived threat of being ostracized, gave me fuel.
Another profound influence has to be our Technical Editor Felix Solomon. Without his "technical assistance" the paper would never come out. He has sacrificed many hours and I am ever so greatful for all the work he puts into the Tower.
However; my greatest inspiration; however, has been our readers. Just when I thought that nw one was reading the paper and that I was wasting my time, students would either compliment our work.
I'm sure the next Editor-in-Chief will be even better and I know they're reading this column.
As I sit here listening to Dennis Richmond's last broadcast, I am reminded of my finite Tower existence. This is my last issue of the Laney Tower.
This has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experience I've had during my time here at Laney.
The Tower has served Laney for over 55 five years and I am honoed to be a part of that legacy. And to think, it almost didn't happen.
I never thought that I would be the Editor of a newspaper. Growing up, I loved reading. But as I progressed through school, I was turned off to reading and writing.
Fortunately there were people who saw the innate greatness that we all possess, inside me. The transformation wasn't overnight, but in time, I learned to believe in my abilities and to forget the fear and embrace the faith.
If I tried to list all the people who helped me along my path, I would need at least 12 full pages.
I remember the first time I had a story in the Tower. The feeling of seeing my name in print inspired me to write more.
While my contributions were infrequent at best before last year, the Tower encouraged me to further develop my writing skills.
The Tower also led me to a greater appreciation of the media. Well, not the corporate owned media, those storytellers who risk personal retribution to tell the truth.
Our adviser Burt Dragin is, in the true sense of the word, an adviser. He trusts us to make editorial decisions and doesn't impede our right to free speech. It is a difficult balance, but he uses wisdom to teach and patience to reach.
As I listen to our editors sing "Lean on Me," it is definitely a bitter sweet feeling. While I will certainly enjoy having my life return to "normal" and not live on a bi-weekly cycle, I'm going to miss hanging out with these characters. They have taught me so much about leadership, communicating, and cooperation. I've learned how to have fun and handle business.
One of my biggest inspirations is former Editor-in-Chief Angelica Carapia. Her wisdom, her layouts, and her willingness to "muckrack," even at the perceived threat of being ostracized, gave me fuel.
Another profound influence has to be our Technical Editor Felix Solomon. Without his "technical assistance" the paper would never come out. He has sacrificed many hours and I am ever so greatful for all the work he puts into the Tower.
However; my greatest inspiration; however, has been our readers. Just when I thought that nw one was reading the paper and that I was wasting my time, students would either compliment our work.
I'm sure the next Editor-in-Chief will be even better and I know they're reading this column.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Jean Womack
posted 5/27/08 @ 1:42 PM PST
Reggie, you were not only a great editor, you were also a great newspaper designer. You are admired and respected by other community college journalists too, not just Laney. (Continued…)
Reginald James
posted 6/21/08 @ 8:14 PM PST
Peace Jean,
Thank you so much for your kind words. As I stated, it was an honor. Thank you for all your support and encouragement.
Post a Comment