Editor dreams of life after tenure

“I am not the editor of a newspaper and shall always try to do right and be good so that God will not make me one.” Mark Twain wrote those words in 1870, and you will find a copy of them pasted on the door to my office.

When I showed up at my first Technique meeting, I’d never written for a newspaper in my life. In fact, I went to the meeting because a friend wanted to know if I’d accompany her. The guy that tagged along for the free pizza and an excuse to break out of his soft-spoken shell and meet a few new folks-that would be me-eventually became Editor-in-Chief.

So here I am, at the end of my reign over the publication that brings you the happenings of Tech and, more importantly, crossword puzzles to do every Friday during lecture, and I have to say it’s a tad bittersweet.

You see, this is the editorial where I’m supposed to give you a bit of advice mixed with some sentimental reflection as an all-knowing old man on my way out. And although I am turning the keys to the paper over to the more-than-capable hands of my successor, I’m not leaving Tech quite yet.

So, instead of reminiscing and trying to decide what I’m going to miss the most about being editor, I’m going to look to the future.

Unfortunately I cannot actually “look to the future” and see what it holds, as being Editor-in-Chief does not provide any clairvoyant benefits. But, if I could take a moment to dream, what follows is what I would hope to see throughout the year.

In August, a returning group of students delighted to exchange pleasantries, make eye contact, and answer questions would greet a new freshman class to campus.

When the freshmen pose the question, “What is there to do on campus?” the answer would include the fact that there are hundreds of organizations on campus, and that almost all of them welcome freshmen with open arms.

Of course, the freshmen will ignore this advice, and all of them will try out for the exact same “leadership organizations” and most will be rejected; however, they will realize that rejection is not a bad thing. It is at this point in the ideal world that the more seasoned Tech student will again make their pitch for freshmen to become involved in a variety of events.

In this pitch, each person will prostitute the organization dear to their own heart, and then they will add that Mock Trial and the Technique are top-flight organizations on campus that are always looking for people (remember, this is my dream).

My dream quickly moves forward to the first Tuesday night in November at 7:30 p.m. The Flag Building is full of people, all attending an SGA Meeting. The room has more constituents than representatives present, and the crowd has actually learned who is responsible for representing each of them. I have been to several meetings this year, and I must say I’m always amused, often impressed, and sometimes astonished. SGA deserves an audience.

Now, it is December, and President Clough’s holiday card arrives. The football team started the fall with a big win over Notre Dame and is rolling towards bowl season (my dream predicted it here first).

As spring semester rolls around, I feel the relaxation that comes with never having to register again. I pick up a fresh copy of the Technique every Friday, and I think that the paper is better than it ever was when I was in charge. I am proud. In March and early April, I walk around campus and enjoy the Georgia spring, as I decide between law schools. I try to meet as many new people as I can.

As April comes to a close, I finally take the time to reminisce about how much I am going to miss Tech, and I actually write that editorial reflecting on how Tech has changed me and how I wanted to change Tech; as much as I hate to admit it, I think I will miss her.