My time at The Crimson has been more than I’d hoped. This newspaper gave me so much more than a nice boost to my professional resume.
I started as a terrified transfer student from across the country, doing whatever I could to build a resume that I’d been dreading for years. I felt so far removed from the rest of the staff because I couldn’t attend the meetings. I took a story idea Wednesday night, scheduled interviews, drafted and redrafted the article, turned it in the following Tuesday, rinse and repeat.
After my sophomore year, I had no intention of returning to the Crimson. I’d already done it and thought to get experience elsewhere, to show employers I was well-versed in various areas. Looking back now, I can only wish I had returned for my junior year, because this past year changed everything for me.
I’m forever indebted to Dr. Will Heath for asking me to apply for the Sports Editor position. Dr. Heath is a professor and mentor who saw more in me than I could. Without his persuasion and constant affirmation, I wouldn’t be the writer I am today. Dr. Heath, thank you for believing in me, thank you for your constant support and thank you for all you’ve done for me and the Crimson.
To my lovely News Editor, Kate Seaver, you are an inspiration. Being just a sophomore already on the editorial staff speaks volumes to your confidence and ability as a journalist. The care you take in seeking out pitches, researching topics and the zeal with which you pursue leads is a beautiful example of what a great journalist should do. It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside you, and I am a better investigator because of you.
Our champion photographer, Meg Robinson, you are all things bright. You have been a constant encourager and friendly face. You make the long nights in the office worth all the time spent. I’m blown away by your photography skills daily and have no doubt you’ll be incredibly successful postgrad. I hope to be as selfless and kind as you are. I am more positive and patient because of you.
Syndey Pulliam, my fiery and determined Arts & Life Editor, you picked me up when I needed you, and I am eternally grateful for your gracious heart. As a journalist, you aren’t afraid of the hard-hitters or the controversial, and your boldness is refreshing. I can graduate with peace knowing that the Crimson is left in the best and safest hands possible. You are strong and passionate, and I am more courageous because of you.
Lola Casey, you have been the PR Manager of my dreams. I cannot express the amount of pride I have in seeing you take hold of the Crimson’s social media presence. Your ideas are genius, and you are so trend-savvy. You’ve transformed the Crimson from a student newspaper few knew about to a relevant and relatable news outlet that the student body cares about. It has been a joy to know you, and I am more creative because of you.
Lastly, to my Editor-in-Chief, Andrew White, thank you. You have pushed and developed my writing in ways I didn’t know were possible. You’ve been the perfect leader for the Crimson. You’ve shown tremendous work ethic, grace, support and most importantly, humility. You are an incredibly talented journalist, and I’m so lucky to have been able to work both for and with you. The countless nights you’ve spent in the office until the early hours of the morning don’t go unnoticed. While you’d never admit it, you were the star and backbone of this staff. Thank you for serving so well, and thank you for not just being my boss, but my friend.
The Crimson wouldn’t be what it is without the people who make it. Thank you to the staff and contributors for all your hard work this year. Please keep working at your craft because you are all so talented. I can leave Samford in May knowing I did something that mattered to people. Take care, Crimson, I’ll miss you dearly.
With love,
Kaylee Bhasin, Sports Editor
Sports Editor
