Wow. This semester and my career at ETSU – I say career because I have been here for six years – are finally coming to an end.
As I sit here trying to figure out what to say and how to sum up this era of my life, I am almost overwhelmed.
When I started in the fall of 2000, I never expected where I would be at the end of this journey. I have had some great experiences while here at ETSU, and of course, some aggravations about if I would ever graduate – haven’t we all had those – and why I had to take particularly ridiculous or pointless classes. I have survived and most of you will eventually, too.
Four years ago, I first found myself in the East Tennessean office, where I started as calendar editor to help out my friend, Whitney Bennett (Roberts), the executive editor at the time. I never realized what I was getting into at the time, but I am grateful. Through working at the newspaper and meeting journalism majors, I decided I really could get into this journalism thing, so I did.
I worked my way up the ladder, as calendar editor, then lifestyles editor and finally, executive editor, which I must proudly say I hold the record for the longest running executive editor in East Tennessean history (I don’t know if that is because I loved it here so much, or if I’m just a glutton for punishment.)
I have to thank the staff, my friends, whom I have been lucky enough to get to know over the past several semesters. You all have made this sometimes trying job even more worthwhile.
Deirdre, you are a great person, and a great journalist – and, a fun girl to be around. I know you will make it very far in this business, and I wish you the best of luck in everything. And remember, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
Feleesha, you are a smart girl with a great spirit. It has been fun working with you. Best wishes for a wonderful life and career.
Eddie, what can I say? You are definitely an interesting guy. Although you can be a butt-head . I mean . we can butt heads from time to time, you are an intelligent guy and a good friend. You’ve made my job interesting, and I’ve enjoyed being your captain. I hope you find your dream job in music.
Megan, you are a great journalist and sweet person. You jumped right in this semester and have done a great job. Good luck in school and, hopefully, we will get to work together again in the future.
Morgan, the fabulous photo editor, I knew from the first time I met you that you had a great personality and were ready to take on the world (and I mean that in a good way). You are very creative and smart. I know you will do a great job as executive editor of the East Tennessean next semester. I will present you with the donkey’s rear trophy with honor. Use it at your discretion, as it will sometimes be necessary.
Martha, thank you for your wisdom and insight. Although we didn’t always agree about things, you always made me think things through and see them differently. I have learned a lot from you and I thank you for your encouragement and belief in me, especially during the past two years.
Candy, there is a reason we have you as our first line of defense. You are great. If the rest of the world were as blunt as you, I’m sure we would have a better place to live. Thanks for always standing up for us.
I have learned that in the newspaper business you can never please everyone, be too liberal, too conservative, too anything. Someone will always disagree enough to be mad or upset, and they will let you know about it. I’ve learned to take everything in stride and deal with problems as they come along.
I appreciate you, the readers, who keep us on our toes and put us in our place when we need to be. Thank you especially to the loyal readers who understand what it must be like to put the publication together twice a week, week after week, with hectic schedules and busy lives, and offer positive feedback and suggestions.
For those of you who think the paper could be better, my challenge to you is to make it be. The East Tennessean is a student written, edited, paginated publication. If you want change, get off your rear and make change. Applications are available in the office in Room 208, the old College of Medicine (Building 12).
My time at the East Tennessean has been both wonderful and frustrating. I would not be the journalist, or the person I am today, had it not been for the East Tennessean. My brother, Kevin, once said, “Sometimes you just have to stick your ass out and hope nobody bites it off.” While that is pretty blunt, I have learned it could not be more true.

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