Wow, where do I even start?

My role at the newspaper began my sophomore year as a staff writer. I interned at my hometown newspaper the summer prior, but I’d say this was my first real experience with journalism. I learned the basics through trial-and-error, and worked alongside some of Drury’s brightest students.

Fast-forward to this past August, and I’ll admit, the organization wasn’t as well off as it was when I first joined the staff. For a while, no one was sure The Mirror would last another semester, let unknown another year. However, I believe fate was on our side.

In December I became Editor in Chief and made it my mission to revamp and reboot the organization; this included staff expansion, policy changes, added trainings and an increase in the number of print publications.

Change is hard, but the staff embraced it. They never once questioned my decisions and did their part to get the paper back in shape. It’s true that there’s no “I” in “team.” I couldn’t have done my job without the efforts of the staff.  They are the reason the paper is alive and succeeding.

Now, it’s time for a few thank you’s. In no particular order:

Thank you to Dr. Groves for igniting my passion for print journalism.  It was your support and encouragement that drove me to pursue a degree in Multimedia Production & Journalism. You’ve consistently pushed me to expand my horizons and think out of the box, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Thank you to Greg Booker for being an amazing faculty adviser, mentor, support system and friend. Whether I need advice, a laugh or a cup of coffee, I can always depend on you. I’m sad to be leaving The Mirror, but I know the organization is in excellent hands.

Thank you to The Mirror staff. I’m truly lucky to have had the opportunity to work with each and every one of you. We’ve turned this ship around and it’s because of your hard work each week to produce quality content. You’ve had faith in my leadership even when I didn’t believe in myself – I’m not sure you’ll ever know how much this means to me. I’d wish everyone good luck next semester, but I know you won’t need it. Everyone is going to rock.

Thank you to SGA for collaborating with The Mirror and developing a budget that will help the organization succeed for years to come.

Thank you to the administration for your willingness to talk about hot topics – some more pleasing than others. Your transparency and team attitude plays a large role in the success of the newspaper.

Thank you to Alumnus Juan Franco for stepping into an advisory role when the organization most needed it. Your experience as an editor in chief paved the way for this semester’s success. You may live across the country, but you’ll always be in our hearts.

Thank you to the Drury community for your support. Thank you for taking the time to pick up a copy on stands or read The Mirror online. I feel that I can speak for the entire staff when I say that our readership means everything to us. I hope that we have made you proud.

Last, but certainly not least…

Thank you, Taylor. There isn’t another person I’d rather pass the torch to. You have all the qualities necessary to be a great leader: kindness, enthusiasm, integrity, loyalty, decisiveness, great communication skills – the list continues. I have no concerns about the future of the newspaper knowing that you are the 2018-2019 Editor in Chief. Under your leadership, this organization will continue to grow and succeed. I can’t thank you enough for everything you do and will continue to do.

This experience has been one of the toughest, but most rewarding of my life. I’m so lucky to have had the experience of leading such a historic and notable publication. My post graduation plans aren’t solidified, but it’s time to move on…and I am so ready.

Farewell Drury, it’s been real.

Editorial by Danielle Wheelan.