Austin speaking:

Man, has this week been stressful or what? When I first applied for editor-in-chief, I expected things to get pretty crazy. But with the excitement of receiving the position and starting the school year, I forgot about the fact that being an editor-in-chief is not all play (well, some play, but mostly work). We finally began the first issue a couple weeks ago and on Monday, we had our first short worknight, which is when staffers turn in their rough drafts. I have to admit that I’ve feel pretty bad for all the newbies. Any given newspaper issue is already stressful enough, but the first one is typically even more stressful as there is so much for them to take in. Next Monday marks our first long worknight and we will finally get to send our first issue to the printing press. Words cannot express how eager I am to see all of the stress pay off when I smell the fresh newsprint of our first issue.

Kristina speaking:

Approaching the end of our first issue, I can feel the tension and stress building among the staff members. When we had our first worknight on Monday, the memories came rushing back as soon as the air conditioners turned off and the computers heated the room. Despite the 90 degree journalism room, the new staff members seem like they are taking it in stride. I have been so impressed with the new staff and all the effort they are putting into this issue. Without a doubt, it will be a great year.

Hanna speaking:

I never imagined that one month of my life could be so stressful, time-consuming and rewarding all at the same time. As we welcomed the newbies onto staff, we jumped right into beginning our first issue of JagWire. I knew from past experience that the newspaper was an incredible time commitment. That wasn’t news to me. But taking a part in every single page has forced me to take on a leadership role and make sure I put the other staff members’ needs before my own. As hard as making this first issue has been, I have loved every single moment of it. I am so excited to spend the rest of the year with this staff and continue JagWire’s reputation as a top-notch paper. If I have learned anything through this month, it has been the importance of taking ownership in everything you do. Nothing will turn out as well as you hoped if you don’t put aside your reserves, take a chance and give it everything you have.