My freshman year, Becca Lundberg tried to get me to attend the newspaper meetings. However, I could never go because I had to work during that time every week. Besides, I never thought I would have any interest in journalism, especially writing it. Then, sophomore year, Becca was Copy Editor and one of her assistants had recently quit, so she immediately told me about the open position. Editing was something I did have an interest in, so thinking it would be a good resume builder, I applied and got the position. I had no idea what I was getting into. Becca had neglected to tell me that the job entailed staying in the office until 2, 3 and on the worse weeks 4 a.m. every Tuesday night.
Working on The Rotunda often made me want to rip my hair out; some weeks were just that stressful. However, I wouldn’t trade the time I spent on this paper for anything. Being able to hold the finished product every Wednesday and say I played a part in making it happen was such an incredible feeling. I met some truly amazing people through this organization as well, and you guys are what made me stick it out. At first, I may have joined for the sake of my resume, but working with such a great staff, knowing you guys were relying on me to do my job and not wanting to let you down were why I didn’t quit, even on the most stressful of weeks.
I love The Rotunda. It’s meant the world to me these past three years, and I can’t imagine what my life at Longwood would have been like without it, without the people I met because of it. From staring at computer screens until the wee hours of the morning to jamming to some great songs (“Timber” five times in one night), I dare to say those late nights in the office were some of the best I had here at Longwood. We’ve been through a lot, and I’ve cherished every minute of watching this paper grow, and I feel like it’s helped me to grow as well. Leaving it behind is hard, but I know the new editorial board will do great things.
So thanks, guys. Thanks to all of you I’ve worked with these past three years. It’s been fun, and I’m going to miss you all so much. Good luck to all of you who are graduating, and keep in touch! And to those of you who are not, I wish you the best of luck as well. Remember that we’re all here for you, and I’m only a phone call away. I believe in you guys, but remember to believe in yourselves as well. You’re wonderful, and you can do it.
