I’m bad at goodbyes. Like, really bad. Like standing at the door and not letting you walk out bad, like saying anything so the conversation won’t end bad. Like as soon as you walk out the door, I might start crying. So, you can imagine how saying goodbye to the Winonan is quite a difficult task for me.
Never in a million years did I think I would be a part of a newspaper, yet here I am three years later. I remember about four years ago, I was sitting in the library with Kellen working on a project for one of our English classes. She had mentioned she had a meeting to go to that night, and I decided that I should check it out.
It took me a couple of months to finally join the Winonan, but once I did, I was beyond happy that I did.
In my time at the Winonan, I have served as news reporter and copy editor. In my three years, I have repeatedly stepped outside of my comfort zone and achieved more than I ever thought I could.
As a communication arts and literature teaching major, one requirement for me to graduate was to be a part of a communications club for one year. I figured I would join the Winonan for a year and then be done with it. But I became
wholly invested, and now I know that that was one of the best decisions that I have made in my college career.
This final semester has been one of my favorites, all because of the wonderful people that I worked alongside.
Maurice, your passion for sports and writing comes through strongly in your articles. I have absolutely no understanding of sports, but whenever I read your articles I can see how knowledgeable you are and see your passion for this section of the Winonan. You have trained writers that seem to be already following your lead, which is just amazing. I know you’ll do great things after the Winonan, and I can’t wait to see you achieve them.
Mo, seeing you is always a highlight of my week. Your energy is unlike anyone else’s I have yet to meet. You have lived a life that seems like it’s straight out of a movie, and hearing you tell stories about your experiences always brings me so much joy and laughter. Mo, you are an incredible leader and an even more incredible photographer. I can’t wait to see you follow your passions and do amazing things.
Matt, I know you hate being called Bestie, but I have to do it. Bestie Matt, you are truly one of the most interesting people I have ever met, and I mean that in the best way possible. You make editing nights full of energy, and most of the time it’s a bit chaotic, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I feel blessed that I have had the privilege to work with you, and to just know you as a person. Please keep being the always-positive person you are; the world needs more of that. Oh… and he valid.
Alek, you have been an amazing news editor this year. You have helped me with making sure I write the best articles I can, and you do that for every news writer. To that, I say thank you. Over this past year, I’ve seen you grow into a great journalist and it’s been amazing to watch. Your passion for journalism is inspiring and I can’t wait to read your future articles. Aside from being a great editor, you have also been a great friend and I wish I could have met you sooner. I wish you the best of luck in your future, and congratulations on graduating.
McKenna, when I first met you, you were a features writer. Then you became a news writer, then news editor, and now editor in chief. The devil works hard but you certainly work harder. Over the past two years that I’ve known you, I have seen you blossom into a phenomenal leader and an even better writer. McKenna, you have no idea how sad I am to be leaving the Winonan with you leading it. You have pushed me to be a better writer and editor and I want to say thank you for that. I am beyond proud of you for how far you have come. Your dedication and passion for the Winonan is what makes it what it is. Bestie McKenna, I’m going to miss editing nights and seeing your beautiful face and spilling all the tea with you. You are going to do such amazing things, I mean look at you now, you’re already there! Thank you for being an incredible leader and being there for the entire staff.
To the rest of the writers, thank you for always writing. I have loved reading each of your articles, and the Winonan would not be the same without any of you.
Over the three years I have been a news reporter, I have written 45 articles. It has been a privilege to write for the Winonan, and I am so grateful for the opportunity. I can honestly say that I never thought that I would do this and love it so much, yet here we are.
The Winonan has been my family for the past three years, and it’s all because of the amazing writers, photographers, and editors that I have met along the way. Thank you for this experience, I’ll cherish it forever.