By Clark Vilardebo
Editor-in-Chief
Editorial
It’s hard to put into words how much my time here at Winthrop has shaped me, but I will do my damnedest.
When I first came here, I wasn’t necessarily thrilled. While the mass communication department and aesthetic of the campus slightly intrigued me, I mainly came here because it was close to home and I wouldn’t have to pay for on-campus housing.
I just wanted to attend my classes and go home or to work, and had no desire to participate in the college experience.
So, suffice to say that the idea of graduation sounded like salvation to me.
Now, less than a month away, it’s more bittersweet than anything.
When mass communication professor Bill Schulte first approached me about the job, it came at simultaneously a rough time for myself and The Johnsonian, as the editor-in-chief was graduating with no succession plan.
I had a strong feeling that the job was just what I needed though, and I was right.
But so was Schulte in asking me to apply for the position, and every new, unique opportunity this job has given me wouldn’t have been possible if he had not taken a chance on me. I’m eternally grateful for this opportunity and all the support he’s given me.
With that being said though, the first few months on the job were rough. I came in with no experience doing newspaper design and with just three members from last year’s staff returning, I also had to essentially build the staff up from scratch.
But, that may have been a blessing in disguise, as I think I’ve put together a damn good team.
Nonetheless, despite these growing pains, we still put together an award-winning year. That’s when I officially realized it was all worth it, and I needed to cherish my time in college more.
Becoming editor-in-chief completely changed my college experience, work ethic and – not to be cliche – my life, too.
This job has taken me to the Mexican border, allowed me to interview Hollywood actresses, behind the scenes of new Winthrop projects and given me friendships across the U.S.
But, I would also never have been given those experiences if I didn’t choose Winthrop as my college.
Which leads me to my next point, which is thanking the professors who have made a massive impact on me. Whether it’s simply being understanding, pushing me to be my best or being personable, these professors helped guide me through college and I want to make sure I shout them out.
So, thank you to the following: Bill Schulte, Nathaniel Frederick, Aimee Meader, Katherine Hubbard, Bryan Ghent, William Kiblinger and Ginger Williams.
And a special thanks to the professors I did not have who were huge supporters and monumental to the paper’s success: Amanda Hiner, Mark Hamilton, Jo Koster, John Holder, Jennifer Leigh Disney and Margaret Gilikin.
I also want to give a special shoutout to Amy Sharpe and Miranda Knight in the Dean of Students Office. Without their work and support behind the scenes, we would not be as successful as we are today.
Oh, and obviously a huge thank you to my staff – though I think they have heard that enough from me.
The last thing I want to do is speak directly to my peers. While the student body has been overwhelmingly supportive of The Johnsonian and student publications, there is one problem I’ve noticed: complacency.
I have received multiple tips for issues on campus that would go on to become actual stories because students wanted to make sure that attention was brought to the situation. Afterwards though? Nothing.
I’d like to see the student body take more initiative when there’s a glaring problem on campus, because bringing attention to it is not enough. There needs to be a concerted effort to actually enact change.
The definition for complacency is “a feeling of being satisfied with how things are and not wanting to try to make them better,” but it’s almost like students are UNSATISFIED and still have no desire to make things better.
I don’t say these things to put myself on a pedestal, because I’ve been guilty of it in the past too. But I’ve seen where it leads to, and speaking up and out does make a difference – contrary to public belief.
With all that being said, I guess all that’s left to say is so long and farewell, Winthrop
