I spent almost three years working for The Appalachian as a reporter and editor.
The experience I gained in that newsroom was, without doubt, worth the price of tuition. I’ve had the opportunity to travel across the country attending conferences in New York and Athens, Georgia, shoot photos at the Southern Conference basketball tournament in Asheville, and even cover the Mountaineers’ rematch with Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Out of all of that, I learned what it means to work in media and had the opportunity to make lasting friendships. As editors, we spent extremely long nights together in the office, and often the library. I will not miss staying until well after midnight trying to finish the next day’s issue of the newspaper, but I have a sneaking suspicion that will look back fondly on those memories.
I am abundantly grateful for Kelli Straka, who hired me in September 2012, Chelsey Fisher and Michael Bragg, who mentored me, and Malik Rahili, who will replace me. The newspaper is in good hands.
Working for The Appalachian gave me a sense of purpose and a sense of self. I look forward to watching it grow as I move on to a new part of my life.
Thanks to everyone for everything.
Joshua Farmer, a senior journalism major from Raleigh, was the editor-in-chief for the 2014-15 academic year. He was on staff for three years.