Dear Wright State University Community,
It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve as the Editor-In-Chief of the Wright State Guardian for the past year. While my time at WSU may be shorter than most, I am so grateful for all of the life lessons and opportunities I have been given from working at the Guardian the last three years.
I must confess to my staff and to my fellow Raiders that I actually joined the Guardian by accident. During freshman orientation, the radio station, WWSU 106.9, and the Guardian shared a table for recruitment. While I was walking around all the tables with my Mom, I grabbed a card that had a QR on it, linking to an interest form for both groups. I filled out the form, hoping WWSU 106.9 would reach out to me.
Instead, Emily Lewis, digital managing editor for the Guardian at the time, reached out and asked if I wanted to be a photography intern. I have always loved photography but it was not something that I did for anyone else. However, after speaking with Emily and meeting with other Guardian members, I knew that I found a place where I belonged. Emily, thank you for being the first person I knew at WSU and for introducing me to the Guardian.
As an intern photographer, my favorite place to take pictures was at basketball games. I got to sit right on the court and had exclusive media access. As a freshman and a 19 year-old, I felt on top of the world. After being an intern, I moved on to being the Staff Photographer for a few months and in April of 2023, Alexis Lewis, soon to be EIC, asked me to be the digital managing editor. In a span of a year, I went from being unpaid to being the second in command at the Guardian, in which I felt so out of place and in way over my head.
However, this is my favorite thing about WSU and the Guardian in particular. Opportunities to learn and grow are everywhere on campus and you do not have to be an expert to get them, you just have to be willing to put in the work.
I learned and grew so much from this role and I honestly do not know who I would be if I had not been given the chance. So, to Alexis, thank you! You have been an amazing mentor, cheerleader and friend. I hope to see you soon!
Lastly, at the start of May 2024 roughly a year ago, I took over as the Editor-In-Chief. This has been my most challenging year at WSU. I have learned so many life lessons both at the Guardian and in my personal life. I have faced rejection, road blocks, staffing shortages, loneliness, and an abundance of stress. I have been told that I am not doing enough and that I also work too much. I have received unkind words from members of my community over things I cannot control such as the 2024 election. I have covered breaking news and facilitated difficult conversations.
My time as Editor-In-Chief has not always been easy, but this year, and this semester in particular, I have also made new friends, laughed until I cried, advocated for my community, made silly Tik-Toks, mentored younger staff and felt proud of the work I have done at the Guardian.
As the academic year comes to a close, I have realized that it is easy to graduate from WSU, but it is hard to leave the Guardian, especially knowing there is so much more I want to do. However, all good things must come to an end. Here are some of my final words to my community, friends and found family.
Julie and Ren, my roommates, closest friends and biggest supporters, thank you for always listening to me and laughing with me. I am so grateful we were suitemates freshman year. I am so sad we will not have our late night chats or Taco Bell trips any more, but I promise I am only one phone call away.
Cade and Lana, I truly can not thank you enough for being my friend. In January, I was dead set on keeping my head down and just getting to graduation. However, meeting both of you honestly changed my entire semester and I have learned so much from both of you.
Dylan, thank you for being the Guardian’s biggest supporter. Without your mentorship, we would not be where we are today. Thank you for also being my mentor, I have learned so much from you, especially in this last semester.
Alex, thank you for reminding me it is okay to ask for help, especially from my friends. Your willingness to help others is inspiring. Please keep taking pictures after you leave the Guardian. You have so much talent and passion! Also, I owe you two drinks from Starbucks, do not forget to collect.
Sam, you are a ray of sunshine! Do not let others take advantage of that, and remember you cannot help others without first helping yourself. Whatever you touch in life will be gold, but that does not mean other people have a right to it. Sorry if I picked on you too much, you are the best little sister I never had.
Brit, I know you are on a journey of your own making with so many exciting things happening! I am truly grateful for constant positivity and eternal optimism. Even when you feel like everything is going wrong, you always find a brighter side. We need more people like you in the world. I wish you all the best! Whether it is working at the Guardian, running CPH or some day publishing your own book, I know you will do amazing things!
Aaron, I do not envy all the changes coming your way. However, you have all the resources and tools for success. Do not be afraid to ask the hard questions and chase after a really good story, but also know priorities shift constantly in the News Industry. Trust your gut and it will all work out. Good luck!
To all my staff members, remember these words from Soledad O’Brien: “If you can tell a story well, you can move people to do something.”
All My Love,
Monica Brutto
