By Solé Scott
Editor-in-Chief
My time at Southern News is coming to an end, and the experience has been glorious, bittersweet and full of challenges and growth.
I started here in the newsroom my sophomore year after being a contributor for an article with the previous News Editor, Destene Savariau, during my freshman year.
I shook with excitement when I found out that I got the job of Features Editor. I knew I had to make my name known for years down the line.
The first thing I created was “Owls Decide” after I pitched it to the Editor-in-Chief at the time, Jaylen Carr.
At the start of my junior year, I became the Editor-in-Chief of Southern News and was, quite frankly, clueless.
The plan I had for the first production of the year swiftly changed before my eyes, and all I could do was rake my hands across my face and pace the room.
I did not leave the building until 7 p.m. that night, a little over 10 hours after I had entered.
The transition was not easy. There were long days, moments of doubt and times when I questioned whether I was doing enough. I often felt pushed beyond my boundaries, and that pressure made me a better leader.
Every Monday, I would walk in and say good morning with a smile on my face to set the mood of the day.
I pride myself on being readily available for my staff members in and out of the newsroom.
There were moments where I had to assert my voice more firmly to be heard, even when I was providing the same guidance as my colleagues.
Those experiences challenged me to be more intentional in how I communicate.
In a position like this, mistakes are expected, and growth comes through learning from them. Over time, I came to understand the importance of extending myself that same grace, even in moments of pressure.
I had a few heartto-heart moments with Professors Cindy Simoneau and Jodie Gil that I will take with me on my professional journey. T
hey were one of the reasons I did not quit, and for them, I am eternally grateful.
In my senior year, I made sure to come into the semester confidently after having a conversation with my mother discussing my goals before the semester started.
I can proudly say that since I have been Editor-in-Chief, we have won awards for the Connecticut SPJ College Contest and have been finalists for Mark of Excellence Awards.
Three years later, Southern News still runs “Owls Decide,” and I am proud to have created something that continues to be a staple of the publication.
I must give thanks to my current staff members Brianna Wallen, Valentina Toro, Jay’Mi Vazquez, Lily Rand, Will Gagné, Wade Barillaro, Julian Markese, Draven Dabrowski, Hannah Graham and Mackenzie Byerlee.
Thank you for the conversations about TMZ, reality TV and our Dunkin’ runs.
Thank you to Professor Frank Harris, Jaylen Carr, Ali Fernand, Sophia Rositani, Sarah Shelton, Lexi White, Brandon Cortés and everyone who helped in my journey.
Also, a shoutout to Tyvonn Thompson, for delivering the paper each week.
Congratulations to the new and upcoming staff, and I leave here a quote from the incomparable Whitney Houston.
“I believe the children are our future. Teach them well, and let them lead the way.”
