Despite wearing many different hats at The Chronicle-assistant news editor, managing editor, senior photo editor-one thing remained constant: being involved with the paper itself.
When I joined the staff as assistant news editor in 2006, I dove right into the thick of it. I wrote, edited and took pictures just about every day. I was instantly hooked and my enthusiasm suddenly became palpable. People began to recognize me as the (wo)man on the unispan, or “that girl” with the camera. The University was trying to define its “edge,” and so was I.
The office became my second home-a place to do homework, work on stories, upload pictures, eat meals, and even to take naps. There were the days of the Bisanz impeachment trial, our friends at NONSENSE stopping the vote and the endless controversy between the new graduate dorm and Netherlands pedestrian bridge.
Once the paper was put to bed, I would often leave the office when the sun was coming up–but the thrill of serving the community was worth more than anything else.
As the staff grew with the paper, the campus was changing too. The University announced the building of a new medical school and hosting the third and final Presidential debate, two announcements that took our Long Island campus from local institution to the international stage. We won awards, some staffers went on to intern with large media companies (Dow Jones, Conde Nast, Hearst, CNN), but Wednesday nights were always about putting together the best possible newspaper.
I will forever remember The Chronicle for its imperfect integrity. There are spelling errors, our computers are perpetually slow and the commas never seem to be in the right place. But behind this paper are some of the best, brightest and talented reporters on our campus. When I think back to Room 203 of the Student Center, I will miss The Chronicle’s festering, scrappy pride. I am proud to say I was part of it.
To the staff and all its future members, keep asking questions, and never lose your sense of rage.
Jacqueline Hlavenka is a senior print journalism student and senior photo editor of The Chronicle.