As I write this, the first thought that comes to my mind is, "How can I describe five years of working with The Lamron in 500 words?" The answer is: I can't.
In truth, each year is worthy of a 1,000-word column in order to acknowledge the incredible people I've worked with over my time here.
Readers of The Lamron may not be aware of how much sacrifice goes into the publication. As a former news editor myself, I can say it's not uncommon for an editor to put upward of 30 hours a week into an issue. As I've learned the hard way, editors can't simply hand off a story idea for a reporter to cover without being absolutely positive the lead is solid (see "Wadsworth Lecture," Fall '06).
Since then, I've spent the majority of my tenure with the paper as its digital illustrator, coming up with all those nifty little clipart designs you see scattered throughout it, in addition to the section headers and the new Lamron logo.
The truth is, as much work as everything ends up being, the difficulty is only surpassed by how much fun it is. I'm not lying; some of the best friends I've made at Geneseo have been through The Lamron, and some of the best memories I have are associated with it.
I've now been here longer than any other member, editor or assistant, and have tenured through three different editors-in-chief. The changes in that time have been, in my opinion, legendary to the paper's establishment. But every good thing must come to an end, and my time here is running out.
As tradition has always followed, the next generation of Lamronians is now training and soon we'll have a new digital illustrator amongst the workforce. Therefore, I'd like to offer a few words of advice to any incoming staffer or editor.
First, The Lamron should be taken as seriously as any club or sport associated with the college. Everything you write is permanent and will be read by thousands. Working with the paper requires a degree of dedication that can only be rivaled by coursework at Geneseo or working for a local or national publication.
Second, not everything you write or create may be used. It's happened to me a handful of times over the years. Things change, and sometimes your work may be rendered irrelevant overnight. We can't take it personally. We also have to be open to the idea of constructive criticism. Think of it as coaching to be better at what you do.
Finally, be open-minded. The Lamron is a family and is always open to inviting new members. We may not all agree on everything all of the time, but what family does? We grow and learn together.
As these will likely be the last words I'll ever contribute to The Lamron unrelated to news content or graphic material, I would like to encourage everyone to look for ways to improve the paper, always. It's come as far as it has because of innovators. Letting the creativity stop here would only rob the next generation of students of what could have been. Thank you all for reading.
Mike Peek is a super-senior education major who promises that this time, this year, he's done here.