See, I’m taking over as editor in chief of The Reflector. The paper that you’re looking at is my first edition. Since you’re looking at it, then I’m sure that everything went smoothly and that there were no problems, but right now, I’m just a little nervous. A year ago, I walked into The Reflector office as an employee for the first time. I had no idea what was in store for me. I didn’t know that I would spend more hours in the office working than I would spend in my own dorm room, nor did I really understand everything that went into making this paper.
What do you see when you pick up The Reflector? A college newspaper that’s good for stuffing floats for the Homecoming parade? Or a source of information that is the voice of students at Mississippi State University?
When I pick up The Reflector, I don’t see just the words or pictures on the pages. I see the work that went into putting it together and all the laughs, stress and even tears that went into its production. I see the good along with the bad, but more than anything, I’m proud of it.
The newspaper that some of you jokingly dub The Rejector was recently named the best college newspaper in the state by the Mississippi Press Association. Many of its writers, editors, photographers and advertising representatives have won numerous awards in several journalism competitions.
Now, it’s my job to make sure that The Reflector continues in its success. Everything I have learned about journalism, either from my classes or in the newsroom, will be put to the test as I face this new challenge.
What will the year ahead bring? A new president for the university? A consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament for the basketball teams? There are countless possibilities out there; who knows what will happen?
It is now my responsibility to bring all these things to you. If The Reflector doesn’t, who will?
I have complete confidence in my new staff. I’m not the only one moving into new shoes; several of the section editors are new to their jobs as well, but with the combination of old and new, I’m sure The Reflector will continue to be the best college newspaper this state has to offer.
I have a different job now, but some things haven’t changed. I’ll still spend countless hours in this office every week. I’ll still pick up a copy every Tuesday and Friday morning to see the final product, and I’ll still listen to people talking about The Reflector as I walk through the hallways on my way to class.
I love seeing students with The Reflector in hand, talking and debating about an article or the View Points section. It means that our work here is not pointless and that we’re making an impact on someone.
Hundreds of students have worked at The Reflector in its history at Mississippi State. What began as the Dialectic Reflector in 1884 has since survived a few name changes to emerge as today’s The Reflector.
Though different from the way it began, one thing remains the same: The Reflector upholds its commitment to serve the students of Mississippi State University above all else.
I’ve come to love this place, and if my work here has done anything, it has confirmed my desire to enter the world of journalism as a professional someday. I have no doubt that the journalism world is the world in which I belong. The Reflector is a stepping stone for me and the rest of my staff. It’s a learning experience for all of us. After all, we’re only college students.
I don’t know what lies in the year to come, but I do know that The Reflector will be there through it all, recording Mississippi State and Starkville events for students, faculty and alumni.
It is my goal to make this paper a paper for the students. We are here to serve you.
I can’t wait to see what happens.