“I am not a journalist.”
That’s what I would have said if you had asked me if I wanted to join the newspaper. That was essentially what I said to then-Managing Editor Justin Weiss whenever he not-so-subtly suggested I join, considering I showed up to almost every production day to get dinner with Grant.
But I was just some friend-of-an-editor. It didn’t matter to me that I spent more time in that office than some editors. It didn’t matter that I helped read through sources or edit for grammar every so often.
I am not a journalist.
And then, I caved at the end of last fall. I applied for the newspaper to be a copy editor and was swiftly taken in the spring of 2023. I had no experience, and I swore up and down that I would never write anything because I “didn’t know how.” Anthony, Grant and Andrew took me under their wing and showed me how to do everything — not just the copy editing stuff. I learned how to fact check, upload articles and how punch drunk half-a-dozen college kids can get in a windowless office.
But I am not a journalist.
This year, I switched over to fact-checker. I took the job very seriously, and my search history shows it. The newspaper gave me confidence. In October, I broke my own rule. I wrote an article. Then I wrote another and another. By the end of the year, I had written for every section of the newspaper — yes, even sports (no one is more surprised than I am).
So maybe I was wrong. Maybe I am a journalist. But more importantly, I found a family of wonderful, silly people who pulled me out of my shell and gave me a home. And I will be forever grateful to them.
To Anthony and Andrew, thank you for taking me in and showing me the ropes. And also being willing to explain sports things to me. I am proud to be your Mid-American Conference (MAC) editor.
To Moaz, every time I see you, it puts a smile on my face. Thank you for being such a positive presence and for letting me try (and sometimes fail) to jam with you when you play the guitar in the office.
To Ryan, my favorite old man, thank you for being old with me. I always trust you to have my back, and you’ve made me feel seen and appreciated. I hope law school treats you well.
To Sol, please take a break from making the donuts. You work so hard and yet stay so bright, and every long production day was made better by being able to spend it with you. You’re going to do great things (and probably make more donuts, let’s be real).
To Rachel and Sarah, thank you for being my fellow musical theater nerds and some of the best production day company I could ask for.
To Xiola, thank you for letting me be your big sibling. You’re stronger than you know.
To Ricardo, you are going to rock being editor-in-chief. You have the skills and the patience, and now you just have to do it.
To Mylien and Alisha, thank you for all the hard work you have done. Your stories are always a joy to read. It’s only topped by how much I’ve enjoyed hanging out with you, even on long emergency production days.
To all the editors — past and current — thank you. I hope you know how much you’re appreciated. I have been honored to read your work and call you all my friends. The newspaper simply wouldn’t be the same without you. If I had the word count to gush over each and every one of you, I would. Just know that you’re loved and that you’re going to do great things— I just know it.
And last, but certainly not least, to Grant, thank you for showing me The Spectrum. I can’t explain how you coming back at ungodly hours exhausted and exasperated made me want to sign on, but I’m glad I did. I wouldn’t be here if not for you. This is all your fault. Also, I’m using my one exclamation point for this article just because I think I’ve earned it. But in all seriousness, I love you and college simply would not have been the same without you.
Thank you all. It’s been a weird and wild ride, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I love you all.
Darcy Winter was the fact-checker and can be reached at darcy.winter@ubspectrum.com
