This past year as editor-in-chief has been so surreal and has shaped me in ways that I would have never imagined. I applied as a freshman on a whim, fully expecting to get rejected and maybe placed in a staff writer position because I was younger and less experienced than all of the other applicants. 

Since I was prepared for what could have happened, I was filled with immense joy to find that I did, in fact, get the job. With a fair share of setbacks and successes alike, this experience has truly shaped me into the writer and editor that I am today. 

I have learned so much more than just editing skills, though. This job has taught me the importance of remaining humble and kind in everything that I do. True leadership comes not from a title but from leading by example and being more like what you want to see in the world.

For me that was not just writing in AP style, but being willing to accept criticism, treating people with respect, giving grace to people and more. 

This position has also allowed me to witness immense growth in our dedicated and skilled writers. All of our writers started off strong in their academic writing, but seeing them adapt to AP style and news writing was remarkable. 

I hope to return to an editorial position in the next academic year, but the hiring process is not finalized as of yet, so who’s to say what will happen.

If I am editor-in-chief again, I hope to bring the Old Gold & Black to the Wofford community in a new and exciting way. I know that this past year has brought experiments with sticker inserts, social media posting and an ambition for a digitized platform, so I hope to use more of that to make this paper more enjoyable for the Wofford community.

I also hope to better improve the diversity and respectability of the paper. I want a more diverse topic coverage, representation on campus, etc. I also want people to feel like they can pick up the paper and resonate with it, trusting that the people representing it want nothing but to bring the truth to them and keep them updated on Wofford’s latest.

Regardless of if I do get the opportunity to be an editor again, I trust that the paper will continue to make improvements and represent the Wofford community well. 

It has been such an honor to serve the Wofford community this past year, and it saddens me to think that this term is over. But the best is yet to come, both for me and this paper, so I hope to see you all again next year.