Deuces

Dear Exponent readers and supporters,

I’m not sure what I’m more excited about — the fact that I’m finally graduating, or that I never have to attend another production night. Either way, wrapping up my time here at MSU is bittersweet in many ways, and working for the Exponent is one of the things I’ll miss the most. Despite the late nights, petty arguments over text placement and AP style and overall annoyance with many aspects of newspaper work, this paper shaped me as a writer, a teacher and a friend. Warning: this is about to get real sappy.

I started working at the Exponent during my sophomore year at MSU after Julia Connelley (current Editor-in-Chief) suggested I look into writing for the paper. After applying and getting hired, I wrote for the sports section for a semester before working my way up to Sports and News editor, eventually ending up as managing editor.

I’ve found that this job has allowed me to write about MSU topics that really interest me, and I would not have been nearly as informed or involved in the clubs, sports and events this school has to offer students without this position. I’ve learned about and participated in marches, events at the Procrastinator, organizations and clubs because of working at this paper, and I couldn’t be more thankful for those experiences.

Though the past two years of working on the editorial staff brought me a lot of frustration, they also brought me a lot of friendships and a LOT of laughter. From sharing memes, stupid internet videos and harmless jokes, we grew really close as a staff. These are the people I can share my writing with, vent to, argue with and joke with; there’s something about working late into the night as a team that brings you an unexpected closeness with people. And these are some of the college memories that I’ll cherish the most.

Deuces,

Jana Gemmill