The J-TAC

Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: Opinion

Joanna Hensley [Click to enlarge]

Tarleton Family,

Thank you is in order. I owe you a debt of gratitude for the job that I have been allowed to do and sometimes stumble through. The job I'm referring to is Managing Editor of this publication, a staple of the Tarleton tradition. As of the moment that this ink hit this paper, I was no longer in that position, which I have held for the last year, give or take a week.

Sitting here, I'm realizing what this job has meant to me (beyond the stress I attribute to it). It has meant late nights, copy editor's marks, frustration, self actualization, misguided headlines, greater coffee consumption and endless puns. Above all, this job has given me opportunity. Sure, there was the opportunity to gain media experience or take on a part-time (who am I kidding-practically full time) job. Beyond that, there were the opportunities that I never anticipated: meeting people I will never forget, learning lessons I never thought I'd need to know, making and hearing jokes I didn't know could be made, asking questions I had never asked, and there was that one late-night run-in with the campus police (a trespassing misunderstanding involving drawn weapons that was easily resolved).

With that being said, I'd be lying if I said that the title didn't feed my ego a bit. Plus, it was fun when people asked me questions because they assumed I somehow had all sorts of answers. The fun side of that was the numerous people I met through the events, stories, controversies and tragedies of the last three semesters.

Most of all, this job has been enjoyable. For all the stress and long nights, there has been support, laughter, respect and resolve. And now, I walk away from this desk as a thankful former editor with a plethora of memories and a fulfilled purpose (I hope).

Thank you for your spare moments between class, your letters and comments and your discussion and frustration along the way. It has been a fast-paced ride.

Sincerely and thankfully,
Joanna Hensley

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