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You are here: Home / Opinion / Columns / Ramblings of a partial retiree

Ramblings of a partial retiree

April 29, 2014 by Marissa Jones

This is my goodbye column, but it’s not my last column. Which feels a bit awkward.

Usually when an editor writes her goodbye column, she’s sentimentally saying sayonara for good. But I guess you could say I’m retiring early or, maybe more accurately, partially retiring. I’ll no longer be Editor in Chief of the Optimist, but I’m sticking around on the editorial board as a senior next year.

However, bear with me as this retiree reminisces unoriginally on her life-changing experiences as an Optimist staff member:

1. Your work is important, even when it isn’t

I’m fully aware that the majority of the student body doesn’t read anything I write. The Optimist staff puts a lot of late night, homework-neglecting, panic-stricken hours into each issue. And this is not unique to us – a large number of students sacrifice for things they care about. And it’s important. Even if the masses aren’t wowed by what you’ve slaved over, it matters.

When we documented the new building initiative, we were documenting history. Maybe 50 years from now, people are going to look back and refer to it as historical documentation even if it stayed unread in the racks. You make ripples with your work, so make them useful.

2. You’re going to fail

But even if you do your work well, you’ll fail eventually. You’ll make a mistake, probably several. When you do, own up to it, don’t let it define you and then learn from it.

The first time I interviewed someone for an Optimist story, I hung up the phone, sighed in relief and promptly realized I forgot to get her name. Rookie mistake. I collect mistakes like some people collect dirt from foreign countries, but I’m discovering how to accept responsibility for them and learn from them. It’s hard.

3. Telling stories matters

“So what do you want to do with your journalism major after college?” I’m not a journalism major. “Oh, but you’re editor of the Optimist. Why?” I’m a multimedia major who just got lucky. I have no intention to work for any news outlet, but even if it doesn’t seem relevant, my experience here has been invaluable.

I’m passionate about telling stories. Whether it’s through news, film or a good design, I think storytelling is essential to who we are and that living a story worth telling is what everyone wants to do. When we tell other people’s stories, we’re doing noble work that recognizes that other people matter, and I think that’s kind of beautiful.

So thank you for reading some of my stories I’ve shared here. Now I’m stepping off my soap box. It’s been a pleasure.

Filed Under: Columns, Opinion Tagged With: Column

Other Opinion:

  • Skipping class is a drug

  • Athletics have a lack of traditions leading to low engagement from students

  • Directionless but encouraged: My experience on The College Tour’s film set

About Marissa Jones

You are here: Home / Opinion / Columns / Ramblings of a partial retiree

Other Opinion:

  • Skipping class is a drug

  • Athletics have a lack of traditions leading to low engagement from students

  • Directionless but encouraged: My experience on The College Tour’s film set

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Black Student Union, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion have joined together to plan events that educate others and provide celebrations during Black History Month. Read more:
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BREAKING: Robert D. “Bob” Hunter, vice president emeritus, passed away Saturday. Hunter served as a representative of the 71st district of Texas and worked part time with ACU until 2013.

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Next for Optimist staff introductions is our photographer Sarah. "Hello! My name is Sarah Eunyoung Thompson and I’m originally from Ewa Beach, Hawaii. I am here as a sophomore majoring in graphic design. Some of my favorite hobbies include: art, ping pong, photography, singing, and thrifting." ... See MoreSee Less

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Starting off our staff introductions is Optimist News Writer Brylie Leach."Hi! My name is Brylie Leach, and I'm a sophomore communication sciences and disorders major and journalism minor from Savoy, Texas. My favorite thing about ACU is the community and Christ-centered environment. I truly feel like I can grow in my faith, and I have made so many memories and relationships that I will cherish forever. I'm looking forward to being a part of The Optimist staff for a second year and having the privilege to tell the stories of others."---------------------------------------------------------------#acuoptimist #optimist #studentmedia #acu #abilenechristianuniversity ... See MoreSee Less

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