It is strange to write a farewell letter to an organization and community that I feel I have just begun to settle into. It also feels odd to say goodbye to something that I know will always linger as an influencing factor in my life, both as a journalist and a human.
My introduction to the Inkwell started at one of the several events incoming freshmen are required to attend at Georgia Southern. I remember picking up a flyer and glancing over the newspapers displayed on the table, then politely telling the staff member I’d look into it more. Despite my interest in journalism, my anxiety about adding onto my coursework and lack of knowledge about news writing discouraged me from joining. I thought about the Inkwell often throughout the semester, but remained hesitant.
The following semester I signed up for Intro to Journalism with Bill Dawers who, after a few weeks, encouraged me to join the Inkwell. He said they were looking for more writers, and because I seemed to have a decent understanding of journalism, I’d be a good fit. Still, I hesitated.
It wasn’t until my sophomore year that I submitted an interest form. The Inkwell’s long-standing former Editor-in-Chief Jabari Gibbs was in one of my classes that semester. He made an announcement that they were looking for more staff, and I took this third invitation to join as a sign from the universe. Upon joining, Armstrong felt brighter as I engaged with more people and learned what happens on campus outside of the classroom.
From that point on, I wrote stories about student clubs, campus events and more serious matters under the guidance of both Co-Editor-in-Chiefs Jabari and Emmalyne Roper. A few semesters later after they both graduated, I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into that position with everything they taught me under my belt.
Nervous can’t even begin to describe how I felt upon becoming editor, but with the support of everyone around me I eventually settled into the role.
I’d like to reserve a paragraph for Isabella Frazier, a remarkable human and incredible writer who was the only other member of the Inkwell during my first semester as Editor-in-Chief. Through hurricanes, political season and newspaper deliveries, Izzy never hesitated to help cover breaking news or show up to campus at 7 am to disperse our newspapers around campus, all while filming her campus fashion series each week. Izzy, I cannot thank you enough for all your help. I can’t wait to see what you do with Deep Dive and beyond!
I’d also like to thank Justine Cozza and Julianna Leverette, two intelligent and compassionate leaders who are the backbone of student media at Georgia Southern. Their direction and feedback allowed for my personal growth as a writer and editor, and the Inkwell’s overall growth as a publication. They never shied away from a challenge, consistently instilling within each member the confidence to overcome any obstacles. Their sense of humor always added a spark of fun to the office.
To my professors, Bill Dawers and Karla Jennings, thank you for incessantly supporting the Inkwell, reading our articles and encouraging your students to join. I am grateful to have sat in each of your classrooms.
I also want to share my appreciation for the staff members who joined our team this semester: Jasmin, Gracie, Mark and Addison— thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules and personal lives to contribute articles and images to the Inkwell. I am so glad that our team more than doubled in size this spring!
My family and friends, it means the world when you read our articles, pick up a newspaper or spread the word about the Inkwell. I hope I made you proud and continue to do so.
And finally, our audience. Thank you for opening our weekly Friday newsletters, reading our articles online and sharing your thoughts about our coverage. My goal as Editor was to carry on the Inkwell’s nearly 90 year old slogan: to be the voice of Armstrong.
