Ever since my second year at The University of Tampa, I’ve worked for The Minaret. I met a crazy kid some of you might remember named Simos Farrell and suggested the newspaper should include video game reviews. For seven semesters now, The Minaret has covered the latest and the greatest of games, and I’m proud to have started the movement.
I met former UT professor Charles McKenzie through my Journalism I class, and he reignited my passion for journalism I acquired in middle school. Charles always pushed me to be more, to try harder. Because of Charles I ran for assistant editor-in-chief (and thank God Charlie Hambos got the position. I had no idea what I would be getting myself in to), worked as online editor for A&E and became head copy-editor. Charles was one of those professors that just clicked. He’s hilarious, and I carry some of his humor with me to this day (but I’ll never quite have his delicate execution). Charles, I’m eternally thankful.
When I look back on every late Tuesday night I’ve spent in the office, no matter how tired or frustrated or busy I was at the time, I cherish every single moment of them. I want to thank all of the staff members, past and present, for making my Tuesday nights quite possibly my most memorable experiences at UT. And thanks for putting up with my sarcastic and immature humor; you deserve medals (that’s what she said).
Speaking of humor, I’m going to miss all of our jokes at the office. I’ll miss learning to let a man take a bath. I’ll miss Theooo! And Ruuudy! Did…*sniff*. And I’m sure all my dear copy-editors will miss my amazing meetings centering around my obsession with Google Wave.
I’ll never forget our trip to San Diego for the journalism conference. Alex, you’re the man for going in with me for the Queen of Thailand feast. “Is there any MSG in there?” “Oh, yeah!”
Specifically, I want to express my appreciation to Mel Steiner. Along with Charles, Mel has influenced me the most on this paper. From my days working for her when she was A&E editor to currently copy-editing for her as assistant editor-in-chief, I couldn’t have asked for a better co-worker and boss than Mel. Her passion for what she does is infectious, and it’s driven me to produce continuously better work. And she’s become a dear friend in the process. Thanks, Mel. You’re the best.
I also want to thank every single person that’s read my articles throughout the years, in the paper or online. I’ve written these articles and reviews for you guys, and I appreciate all the feedback I’ve received. If one person laughed or learned something new from my articles, then I did my job. Thanks guys. It was great writing for you all.
To my copy-editing staff: You’ve made me proud, I couldn’t have asked for better. Heather, I stuck you with the sports section because I absolutely hated editing the stats for AP style. Sorry, but thanks for putting up with it. Laura, you’re a pain for always questioning every decision I make about grammar and punctuation, but that’s a great trait for a copy-editor. You guys are awesome.
I want to leave with two pieces of advice.
First, don’t get too caught up in life. Life does a good enough job on its own being chaotic; it doesn’t need your help making it worse. Relax. Enjoy the moment. Savor every second. Before you know it, life flies by. Remember to enjoy the journey.
Second, laugh. Laugh when life’s hardest, and laugh when it’s not necessary. Laugh while you cry, and laugh while you’re angry. But always laugh from the heart. We have enough formalities and seriousness in the world. We need people that just let everything drop, let every stigma and insecurity shatter, and laugh with each other over life’s beauty.
I’ve loved The Minaret, and I can’t wait to watch it grow in my years as a Spartan alumnus. Even though I won’t be in the office on Tuesday nights from now on, you guys know I’ll be there in spirit. Every time someone says, “That’s what she said,” I’ll be there. I’ll see ya around.
Shannon Grippando can be reached at sgrippando@ut.edu.