An adventure, a challenge

The semester is nearly over. Thank you sweet Jesus. It's funny how we always seem to be overwhelmed, but it's never more than we can actually handle. Sure, we might have to give up a few evening engagements, or maybe all notion of watching TV, but somehow we get our work done.

That's why we're college kids. We may not always get our work in on time, and it may not be top-notch quality, but the work gets done.

At least that's been my experience this semester. This is the first semester I've worked on The Stampede, and, to say the least, it's been a bumpy ride.

When I took the position of editor-in-chief without having any experience in "newspapering," Mandi Mooney, former editor-in-chief, said, "You will have no social life. You will consider killing Dahlman. You will hate your life." There were times that I experienced all that she predicted, but there were also several times I experienced quite the opposite.

Those of you who know me personally may agree that I am a somewhat energetic individual who always looks for an adventure or a challenge. I succeeded in getting both this semester.

The adventure aspect of The Stampede was certainly present. It was an adventure to see how many stories I could write in one 24-hour period. Five is the highest so far. It was an adventure to see what happens when I go 42 hours without sleep. Yes, friends. I did say 42. And I took the personal challenge of writing as many funny quotes as I could on the board in The Stampede office. The best quote thus far-"A chicken lies down after laying an egg. I would lie down after laying an egg, too," said Jim Dahlman, the newspaper's faculty advisor.

It was also an adventure to see people's reaction when I told them I am the editor of my school's newspaper. Some people blew me off like I was some random fly on the wall; others treated me as if I were the Queen of Sheba.

However, perhaps the best adventure of the semester has been working with people. I've come to be good friends with all my editors. I've also made many connections through my work on The Stampede. I've become quite good buddies with faculty, staff and administrators at Milligan.

I was definitely challenged by this experience. I've learned to be more professional than I ever thought I could be. It was a challenge to see how many ways I could say someone lost his cookies for the headlines of Terrific Tuesday's milk-drinking contest. It was challenging to see how many nights I could blow off my friends without losing them.

Although there are things about working on The Stampede that I could have lived without, such as the carpel tunnel syndrome from typing so much, my life has been changed by working on the paper this semester. I have a much broader perspective of writing than I've ever had before. I have learned the difference between writing and writing with a purpose, with a voice. The act of writing with a specific audience in mind is enough to make one write well.

With that idea fresh in your mind, we do have job openings at The Stampede next semester. Whether you are interested in being an editor or a writer, the experience is just as great. If you are at all interested in working with The Stampede, please get in touch with us soon.

And don't worry, Dahlman. I never really considered killing you.