When I stepped onto Longwood’s campus back in 2011, I had no idea there was a school paper. I mean, I could not find a table at the involvement fair nor had anyone I talked to seem to know it existed. Had it not been for one lone Rotunda editor bringing in the most recent edition into my Biology lab, I probably would have remained clueless (and possibly thinking elves passed out the papers). So I owe a lot of thanks to that Rotunda editor, for answering the questions of a very confused freshman—if she hadn’t, I probably would have had a different college experience than the one I have come to enjoy.
I probably would still be in my original major, having no idea what I wanted to do and fearing the future. Yeah, the future’s still scary and really, I’ve changed career paths so many times, from being President of the United States to being a firefighter, the only sure decision I’ve made was to be born. But thanks to The Rotunda, I’m leaving Longwood with a degree and a major I’ve enjoyed every step of the way.
Working on The Rotunda taught me how much I enjoy writing in a professional sense. At first, I thought I would only write one article and then that’d be it. Well, there’s something about seeing your name in print that just brings a person back for more—that and the free pizza. The Rotunda was where I gained friends, built skills that will serve me well for entering the workforce, but also allowed me to have fun while doing it.
Sure, there were some ups and downs.What person hasn’t had them with their place of work? But that just made the whole experience worthwhile. I wouldn’t trade the all nighters and the frustration over late articles or mistaken bylines for anything,because in four years, it’s not going to matter. Yeah, I may have hated being in it back then, but now, all I can say is thanks for the time management skills!
The Rotunda helped me step out of my comfort zone when I was elected Business Manager.I was good at writing articles, but the only experience I had with the business aspect was going on outings to sell ads in high school and those turned into basically school-sanctioned trips to the mall. The paper took a girl who ran from the very thought of having to do math and turned her into someone who successfully created a budget for the organization without coiling in fear.
To the seniors on The Rotunda who are graduating with me, I have to just say it’s been a blast working with you and I hope our paths cross again in the future. To those who get to stay on, it’s also been a blast. Maybe next year, one of you will answer the questions of a confused freshman looking for an organization to join.
