There is no way to accurately describe the experience I have had being the Ranger editor. I will do my best to try.
My journey as editor started last fall. I had no idea what I was doing, but I knew I wanted to do it. The encouragement of many wonderful people has inspired me and kept me going.
I have learned that sometimes you have to dig deep inside yourself for inspiration and that you can’t always rely on other people to help you.
As I sit typing this, I am trying to think of all the things I am thankful for as it pertains to AC and the people who make it what it is.
I think there is no better way to write a last column than to praise the people who have helped me the most.
To Mike Haynes and Jill Gibson: both of you have taught me more than I ever would have imagined.
Mike, I appreciate the hours you spent reading over the paper before it was sent to the press to make sure it looked good and that we didn’t say anything stupid that would get us sued.
You are an example of an excellent journalist and a great man.
Jill, your words have inspired me beyond the classroom.
As you always say, “Journalism isn’t a career choice, it’s a diagnosis.” Thank you for helping me realize my illness.
Thank you to AC President Dr. Paul Matney, Heather Atchley and Jeanette Smiley in student life, Zeb Rollins, all of SGA and all the teachers and students who have been available for interviews and tips.
Thank you to the reporting students who work so hard to write awesome articles.
To the Ranger staff, past and present, you guys are the best of the best. I have been honored to work with all of you. Thank you for persevering when things were tough.
To my family, thank you for making everything that I have done possible and for dealing with me when I was crazy and stressed.
The list would not be complete without thanking God, from whom all blessings flow, for giving me strength.
The Ranger means so much to me, I feel like it has become my child.
I can attribute this to the hours upon hours I have spent designing and editing the paper so that you could enjoy the freedom of news and expression.
I am not leaving AC; I am just moving on.
My heart will forever be with The Ranger, as it has taught me that it is much more than a paper. It is a medium for communication among the campuses, it is student opinions and events, it is a blessing to the school and it certainly is a blessing to me.
Always remember to be courageous and try things even if they scare you.
The scary things, the tough decisions and the times when you feel unsure can end up being the best experiences you will ever have.
I leave you with words by authoress Anaïs Nin that have encouraged me through my journey:
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”
Contact Bailie Myers at: bay.95@hotmail.com.
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