Every week, they’re lurking. Our reporters, columnists, photographers, editors and illustrators keep their ears to the ground for budding stories. And every time, they’ve delivered.
We have a lot to be grateful for. We’ve broken several records this year, won more awards than we can even hold with four hands and broken more stories than we can count. And that’s because of our staff.
Our staff is built up of the most dedicated and hardworking individuals who will undoubtedly make the world a better place. There are so few people that could be characterized as genuinely good, but everyone on the Trinitonian is.
This isn’t an easy job. It’s not even that good a paycheck. It takes time and it takes commitment. But, most importantly, it takes patience, care and knowing that the work you’re doing is bigger than yourself.
Everyone on staff’s exhaustion is evident, and we are eternally grateful for all the work you’ve done this year. We know how much work it takes to get the paper done each week, and it’s because of every person on our team.
Some of you staffers are graduating this spring, and in that case, rejoice — be unbelievably proud of all of the work you’ve done for the Trinitonian. For those that are staying, though, don’t back down.
There are always going to be obstacles. There are always going to be horribly difficult weeks and the occasional days-on-end-with-no-sleep. Don’t let the hard days (and nights) get you down. Though we know it’s not the healthiest, it’s a testament to your dedication. A testament to a good story.
We’re not telling you to do exactly the same thing as us. In fact, we’re sure everyone would be better off if our hours were shorter. We’re saying to keep up the momentum. Chase after stories. Perfect your editing. Keep up relationships on campus.
We have full confidence that you will, and we’ll be watching, cheering you on from the sidelines. Though we’re glad to be passing the torch, we’re always here if you need anything.
With all of the work that our staff does to release the paper every week, none of it would be possible without the participation of our community. Everything that we share in the Trinitonian is because of the people at Trinity.
We wouldn’t be able to share the successes in SGA without their members’ willingness to talk with us. We wouldn’t have been able to report on the dry recruitment extension without the students, administrators and community members that took the time to speak with us.
Even beyond our articles, none of the columns or illustrations or photos would have happened without you. The people make every part of this 100-year-old paper run.
To our sources, thank you. Your trust in our reporters, editors, visual staff and the paper as a whole allowed us to keep you informed. Whether we approached you or you approached us, you made this possible. We can’t thank you enough.
To all of our readers, too, thank you for putting your trust in us. Our work only matters if you read it. It only makes an impact if it impacts you.
We recognize that we make mistakes. We recognize that as a student-run organization, we’re not going to be perfect. This year, we’ve made mistakes, and that will continue. We’re not saying that to discredit the work that everyone on staff does, nor are we saying that to discourage you from reading the paper.
We’re saying that any student-run paper is a learning center. This is the starting point for student journalists, and student journalists are bound to make mistakes. Especially at Trinity, where the Trinitonian is essentially our school’s journalism program.
We’re telling you this to say that you should continue to give student journalists grace. We’re not perfect, but we’re learning. So, call us out when we’re wrong. Make us stay accountable. But don’t ice us out. The Trinitonian has, and will continue to, deserve your trust.
Everyone on staff has focused on cultivating trust with our community this year, but just because the year is ending doesn’t mean that trust should fizzle out. To every source that has ever put their faith in us, we ask that you treat our successors the same.
Incoming Editor-in-Chief Eve Slemp, fall Managing Editor Julianna Plewes and spring Managing Editor Adom Richards are three of the most trustworthy, ethical and passionate journalists we’ve ever met. They deserve your trust, and so does everyone else on staff.
Their goal — and the Trinitonian’s goal — is to share your stories as accurately and succinctly as possible. We’re here to act as a check on unchecked authority, to celebrate your successes and mourn your losses. We are here for you.
As we leave, be ready to share your stories next year. Keep fighting the good fight. We know you all have a story. Share them with us at the Trinitonian.
One last time,
Samara Gerstle, Editor-in-Chief
Diya Contractor, Managing Editor
