It was unfortunate that I had to write this piece in such a hectic environment. I have four essays to write and four tests to take in the next week and a half. Nonetheless, that is the nature of working on a college newspaper. I think these "swan songs" are usually more akin to "senior blurbs" for a high school yearbook than reflection pieces in a diary, but I find the latter style more rewarding and useful. When I think about it, I have worked with close to, and possibly even more than, a hundred different individuals throughout my time on this paper. That's a lot of people. In all honesty, I do not have something to say about everyone - in reality, there are only a handful of individuals with whom I have closely worked. Those people know who they are and I don't have to identify them. Overall, working on The Heights has been a great experience, albeit one that requires sacrifice.
I started working for The Heights during the second or third week of my freshman year. I joined as the Editorial Assistant. There was an opening on the board because several editors had quit following a conflict with AHANA over an article on a drug-related incident on upper campus. The editor-in-chief at the time had used the phrase "drug bust" in the article's headline and accompanied it with photos that resembled mug shots of the three accused resident directors. Right from the start, I was aware of The Heights' position as an advocate of truth and, for better or worse, controversy on campus.
During the spring semester of my freshman year, I became the Assistant Marketplace Editor, switching on and off with the section's head editor as the columnist for "Politically Speaking." I also became a columnist for "Tracks from Underground," which covered underground and independent music for The Scene. The chance to write these two columns has been my favorite part of my experience on the paper. I got to share my eclectic passion for music and often received offbeat, yet complimentary e-mails.
Likewise, I have gradually learned how to organize and express my heartfelt political convictions, receiving thoughtful comments from both my professors and some administrators. Though writing academic essays has helped develop my writing skills, I have found writing for an audience instead of a grade profoundly more enlightening. If there were one thing I could fix about our education system it would be that. It is constructive criticism that helps one learn to write - not a grade.
I became the Marketplace Editor the following fall semester and have remained there ever since. Altogether, I have devoted six semesters to this section. Had I more time and energy, I probably could have done more with it, but I feel like it has been stable throughout my tenure. Unfortunately, because it is much more "intellectual" than other sections it has always had a lower readership. It has also been difficult to find writers. Many who have written for the section, however, have done so consistently and energetically. I would like to congratulate them on their efforts, especially those who have worked with me for the past five semesters.
Overall, I would like to touch upon two things that I feel are not mentioned often enough. First, to the editors on subsequent Heights boards: take the paper professionally, but not seriously. I have seen way too many editors take it the latter way and evoke trivial drama. Sure, there is conflict between members in any organization, but some of the things I have witnessed have been hilarious in their outright pettiness and absurdity.
Second, to our readers, whether they are students, professors, or administrators: remember that we are, first and foremost, students. Though I have not directly felt the pressure that our editor-in-chiefs have, some of the criticisms I have heard over the years from the community have been unnecessarily narrow-minded and aggravating. If you feel that we have offended your organization - for whatever reason - I recommend you put yourselves in our shoes. We are an independent newspaper. Objectivity is our goal. If you feel we are expressing biased or prejudiced views, the best advice I have for you is to get involved in The Heights on your own. We welcome every student on campus and are not interested in pushing one side or the other.
In the end, I came into The Heights desiring the best. I ran for editor-in-chief, but I can honestly admit that someone probably more capable and deserving got that position over me. I am not sure what life at college is like without The Heights. And so, my last semester at Boston College as an undergraduate will be a new experience. Nevertheless, this is surely not my last piece for The Heights. I plan to continue next semester as a columnist for Marketplace and possibly Opinions.
I hope this "swan song" has not seemed self-aggrandizing. I have treated it merely as a chance to unravel and explore my experience on The Heights. If you have actually managed to read all the way to the end, I appreciate it. I would like to thank our readers and also my friends, professors, and family for their encouragement, support, and, most importantly, criticism over the past three years.
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