Goodbye Letter

I started working at the Exponent in my first week of college, in the fall of 2021. When I graduate in May, I’ll have spent the entirety of my four-year college experience working here. This paper is the oldest organization on campus, and the office walls and stacks of archived editions tell the story of an illustrious publication with a windingly wonderful past. Because MSU lacks a formal journalism program, thousands of Bobcats over the years have turned to the Exponent to launch careers in the field.

I am not one of those Bobcats.

My aspirations have never lain amongst the wide field of reporting or editorial arts. There is no love or passion for the fourth estate in my heart. Thus, I often find myself being asked the question: Why have I stayed?

I’m certain that there are more questions than answers in my head at this point in my life. But when someone asks why I remained at the Exponent, that’s an easy answer.

It’s the people. I’ve been at the student paper longer than anyone here, and there’s always been an ease that comes with walking in those office doors.

I can’t count the number of laughs I’ve shared with my coworkers, or the number of smiles that have crossed my lips seeing someone’s job well done. The people at the Exponent are wonderfully creative, beautifully talented and astoundingly hardworking. I’ve learned too much from these individuals to say in this letter.

I hope they all know how much they mean to me, because their quality is not my only reason for writing this.

To students: Write for the Exponent. Take photographs for the Exponent. Even if you think you don’t know what you’re doing, that’s fine. This is a fantastic organization to be involved with, and I urge you to add your name to the bylines of its history. We’ll teach you how to newswrite, and maybe — if you’re as fortunate as I am — you’ll be able to teach someone else when the time comes.

If any part of you is thinking about trying out the Exponent, do it. The leap is worth it, I promise.

To ASMSU, the MSU administration, and other decision-makers who have supported us: Thank you. Truly. I know it isn’t easy when we’re sending out a story that hovers over your shoulder. I understand that the presence of a student press service on campus can be a nuisance. But the support that many of you have offered and the assurances that we will be allowed to continue to operate independently are so important to us.

To everyone else in the MSU and Bozeman community: Thank you for letting us tell your stories. I’m a filmmaker at heart, and storytelling is a core piece of who I am. Seeing how excited everyone gets when they have the chance to talk about what makes them passionate has been a privilege.

I’m proud to have my name in the pages of the Exponent. Thank you for giving me the chance. Whoever writes for us next, thank you for carrying the message.

Thank you,

Gus Yeager