My first year at WCU gave me a unique perspective of the university. I started working for Last Minute Productions my freshman year under the Department of Campus Activities. Before I knew my major, I knew how many events WCU put on for their students, how many clubs we had, how much of student fees went to student activities. I understood from the beginning how much of a dedicated community WCU had that made this campus’ heart beat.
Working for the Department of Campus Activities gave me a preview into what my college experience could be. I also began to understand what could be accomplished by a team that loved and were dedicated to what they do.
My second year at WCU, it only made sense for me to declare a communication major and join an equally hardworking and passionate department. I was given even more opportunities to explore my interests and build my skills.
I still remember my first interview for a story. In that interview we talked about the importance of unity and teamwork. Writing that story later made me realize two things. I loved being a part of a team that served the community, and I loved bringing the community together.
A few months later, now two years ago, I was offered a position at The Western Carolinian. I was terrified to accept, everyone knew each other and had way more experience than I did.
I was welcomed with open arms. No one shook their head when I asked stupid questions or got angry when I asked for an extension.
My third year at WCU, I came ready to pour myself into this publication. I had one of the best teams I could ask for. We all cared about giving information to our community and making this paper the best it could be.
I really began to see The Western Carolinian as my home and my team as my family. Every edition we were putting out felt better than the last and we all knew everyone sitting around the table on Tuesdays was equally responsible in making that happen.
Now it’s been four years since I’ve arrived at WCU. My heart is so full it’s breaking. Leading a paper I looked up to so highly has been an honor. Every team member has become family to me and every edition we did together has a piece of my heart.
I am so proud to have grown with the reporters who were here from day one and all stepped up as leaders to make this publication what it is and I am just as proud of the reporters who joined this year and have grown expeditiously with every story they right.
I have worked on a team of hungry people who have selflessly worked to give this community what they need. Everyone has worked tirelessly to give everyone information, updates and celebrations.
I couldn’t be more excited to see how The Western Carolinian will continue to evolve when I am gone. To me, this paper has become a symbol for all that I love about Western Carolina University.
Of course, none of what we do would be possible without you, our reader. You are who we are here for and you are the reason we can still do what we do. Whether you’ve tipped off a reporter, emailed us about your upcoming event, answered our questions about what’s happening, read every edition or just read this one edition, you have made The Western Carolinian possible.
This publication has served WCU, Sylva and Jackson County for over 90 years and if we make it to 100 years or more, we need you. Now more than ever, there is a crisis in journalism and a wave of disinformation and mistrust.
There’s a fear when a reporter says, can I ask you a few questions, we ask for a vulnerability that can be hard to give to someone you don’t know. But by being the one who answers you are also serving your community. We are not your enemy, we never want to make you or anyone else look bad.
So if you’re reading this, I beg you to reconsider your relationship with journalism. Consider when you’re consuming information who is giving it to you and what their motives are and please, if you do nothing else, stay involved with your local news outlets. Local news, issues and government directly affects your life. You have the power to be involved and create changes you want to see, but only if you’re educated.
I want to thank The Western Carolinian team that I have worked with for accepting me and helping me become who I am. I will forever love all of you and appreciate what you have done for me.
Finally, I want to thank you for reading, your support and everything you do to make this possible.
For the last time – GO CATS!
