To say that The Samford Crimson has impacted my life is to underestimate the experience, friendship and value it has provided me. I only served on the staff for two of my four years here at Samford, but those two years have been filled with laughter, growth and connection that I never would’ve expected to find at this organization.
Though I had no experience as a staff writer for the Crimson, I was hired as news editor my junior year. Naturally, jumping straight into an editorial role came with a big adjustment and learning curve, but the support and comradery I found in my fellow editors and staff members made the long nights and stressful articles worth every moment. I never knew that working on InDesign pages until 12 a.m. every Wednesday could be enjoyable, but the group of people I worked alongside helped turn those nights into memories I’ll never forget.
Working for the Crimson, first as news editor and then as editor-in-chief, has changed and strengthened me in ways that no other experience at Samford has. The incredible people I have had the honor of leading encouraged, supported and humbled me, teaching me how to be a better person and stronger journalist. Some of my closest friends and best memories have come from my time at the Crimson, and I am endlessly grateful for their roles in my life.
Mackenzee Simms, Rebekah Crozier and Olivia Koepp are women I look up to, trust with my deepest thoughts and admire greatly in their unfailing drive to become better people and journalists. They open my eyes to new ideas and perspectives, fill my days with laughter and constantly challenge me to improve while accepting me entirely for who I am. They are the best friends I could ask for, and it was the Crimson that brought us together.
Will Mason, Courtney Robeson and Davis Domescik have supported me endlessly this year, and without them, my responsibilities in this role would have been insurmountable. They took weights off my shoulders and lifted me up when I felt overwhelmed by pulling weekly pages together. They are strong journalists and kind individuals, whom I was honored to work closely with this year.
Being able to lead a staff of passionate students and writers has taught me how to be humble, how to delegate responsibilities when I needed to and how to take life (and myself) a little less seriously. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be the person or professional journalist I am today and I care for each of them dearly. I am excited to see how those who still have more time at Samford will continue to improve.
I know I am leaving what has felt like my own child, the Crimson, in the very capable hands of Andrew White, who will lead as next year’s editor-in-chief.
To the people I have worked with at The Crimson: You have impacted me in ways it would take hundreds of pages to express. Know that you each have a place in my heart.
Editor-in-Chief
