Dictionary.com defines reflection as “a fixing of the thoughts on something; careful consideration.” When I sat down to write my reflection, three words came to mind that fit this definition: The chip column.
On Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013, the world was graced with the brilliance that is my chip vision.
Anyone with a pulse knows that chip companies are a scam. It’s 2014, figure out a way to fill the entire bag so your loyal customers aren’t paying for a bag that is half air.
I’m on a mission to solve this problem and I won’t stop until I do it.
I know you’re all extremely fascinated with chips and the serious issue regarding them that ruins society, but I think it’s time to talk about other things regarding The Oracle besides how it has allowed me to have a platform for the pressing chip issue.
Before joining The Oracle, I was that guy. That guy who scheduled all of his classes on Mondays and Thursdays, so I could sleep until noon five days a week.
I started college as a math major having no idea what I wanted to do with my life. That ended quickly when we weren’t allowed to use calculators to the extent that we were in high school and my grades suffered.
I switched to journalism because I’ve always loved sports and knew I had no chance of becoming a professional athlete, so writing and talking about sports was the next best thing.
My father recommended I reach out to the campus newspaper and see if they were looking for writers. I was just taking my first journalism class at the time, so I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know if I should bring a resumé, which I didn’t even have at the time.
Andrew and Cat explained to me what my responsibilities were and I didn’t know what anything they said meant, so I literally asked if I was qualified for this position. Thankfully they said yes, because my time with The Oracle was the best thing I ever could have done as a journalist.
The Oracle office is a place where people work extremely hard and make tremendous sacrifices each week to produce a paper and inform the college and town on what is going on.
I’ve been in that office working from 7 p.m. to as late (early?) as 9 a.m. and I wouldn’t trade it for a second.
It’s still crazy to me that in just two years I’ve gone from a young copy editor who didn’t think he was qualified to write to the paper’s Editor-In-Chief writing his final piece for The Oracle.
Bill and Elkyn, thank you so much for your guidance this semester. Bill, sitting in your office and talking about anything that comes to mind are moments that I will always remember. Elkyn, whenever we had a tech issue I was not worried because I knew you would be able to help us.
Andrew, you were someone that when I first started I looked up to as a journalist, so thank you for being that role model to not only me, but everyone in the office.
Cat, even though we had an extremely strange relationship I am grateful for how much you taught me during our time working together.
John, there were few better times than those 5 a.m. “vendy” runs with you. It is too important to get something salty and sweet while snacking. If only vending machines sold pumpkin spice Four Lokos. #DDDT.
Carolyn, <3.
Katie, I hope you take a five-minute break from looking at animal pictures to read this. Stay classy. Suzy, our music nights were the best. Pour one out for the homies at Kennedy Fried Chicken.
Angela, thank you for teaching me so much when I first started. I am forever grateful for your help.
Zameena, I will always remember the good times we’ve had together on staff. Robin, the way you tell stories through your pictures is amazing and I’m so happy for you for what you’ve accomplished.
Melanie and Sam, it is so awesome that two freshmen can be so mature and such great news writers. The news section has a bright future with you two working there.
Nate, I love your outside-the-box thoughts. Keep doing that and you will go far. Amanda, thank you for reaching out to be a copy editor. You have a very bright future with the paper.
Michael, I’m so glad you decided to join. Your memory when it comes to baseball history is honestly one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.
Karl, please keep writing video game reviews because your passion is evident in your writing. Amya, it’s crazy to think just a few months ago you were hesitant about staying on staff. You should be proud of how far you’ve come.
Max, your Gunk fronts are honestly incredible. Please continue being creative because your pictures reflect your amazing visions. Lizzie, I’m still proud I knew your original bio for the preview issue was from Lizzie McGuire. I can’t wait to see your pictures going forward as you keep at it.
Julie, your cartoons amaze me week after week. I expect to see your work in art museums across the country very soon.
Russell, taking over a page editor position midway through the semester is not an easy task, but you’ve done a great job and will continue to be great going forward. Jen, you’re a great RA and a better friend. “Let it go, let it go. Can’t hold it back anymore. Let it go, let it go.”
Melissa, you have grown so much in the last year. As long as you keep working hard you will do great things. Kristen, your maturity is amazing and you’ve done such a great job. I know you will continue to do incredible things for this paper going forward.
Anthony, you are one of the craziest people I have ever met, but I love it. You do whatever you need to write the best possible story and that is something every journalist should strive for. Just take a deep breath every now and then when talking… and while emailing.
Abbott, even though I’m terrible, insufferable and so on, I hope you’ve enjoyed our time in class and on The Oracle together. As Anna Kendrick sings, “You will miss me when I’m gone.” And I will miss you, too.
Well, I guess my time here is up, but don’t worry. Next time you open a bag of chips, just think of my face and know that help will soon be on the way.