I still remember the day that I signed up to join The Mirror at the fall activities fair as a first-year student. If someone had told me then that I would one day be the editor-in-chief of the Fairfield University student newspaper, I probably would have ran for the hills out of a combination of pure disbelief and fear. But, as I sit here writing my senior farewell, I now actually find myself in both disbelief and fear about LEAVING this position. You see, I’ve never known Fairfield without The Mirror. No matter what happened at home, with my friends, with courses, anything, The Mirror was always there, and so were all of the amazing people that came with it.
I’m forever thankful to my friends for accepting that my true long term relationship was with The Mirror; and, that they understood when I couldn’t enjoy Taco Tuesday, or $2 Tuesday, or any other themed Tuesdays, because I was busy leading the most important organization to me on campus. I even remember the support my best friend gave me when I told her that I was nervous to take on the position as EIC.
“DUDE! You are the EDITOR-In-CHIEF of our COLLEGE NEWSPAPER! That is SO cool! Not many people can say that they held that role!! You have so much power to create change – I am SO proud to call you my best friend,” said Kristen Yost ‘19.
At that moment I put my fears aside and embraced my new position. I had the power to create CHANGE. Me, a 4’10” female aspiring journalist from Holden, Massachusetts had the ability to make a difference. What people sometimes forget is that a journalist’s first and foremost goal is to make a difference and speak the truth. I believe that this year my staff and I accomplished that goal to the fullest extent.
Which brings me to my staff: thanks for everything. Thank you for listening to stories about my life, thank you for letting me dance to Hannah Montana at 1 a.m., thank you for supporting me in every decision I made, and thank you for never giving up on me or my ideas. I couldn’t have done it without you.
To The Mirror alumni: thanks for believing in Little Al!! I am so grateful to be a part of this community. No one else knows what it feels like to be in a fishbowl for 15 hours in one day, to see the sun rising as we walk out of the BCC, to feel stressed and excited and empowered all at the same time. I know you may have had your doubts about me at first * cough Jesse Erickson ‘17 cough* but I’m happy you put those doubts aside and let me grow into the journalist I am today.
Like I said before, I don’t know Fairfield without The Mirror. This office has been a comfort zone for me throughout the past four years, and I’m not sure I’m ready to let it go. But one thing that makes leaving a little easier is knowing that I am leaving it in such capable hands. I can’t wait to watch it grow, as I sit at my desk as that crazy alumni who comments on every post you make next year. Thanks for a great ride, and now I guess it’s on to my next story.
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