Katrina Steier, Managing Editor
I would like to begin by saying that I wish I could write an editorial about fluffy clouds and kittens in teacups and big red balloons. I wish I could write a piece that sends you into an illuminating world of profound philosophy and intellectualism that shames even the most proficient academics. But I have a deadline to meet and I can’t stop thinking about dinner and sleep. So, what to write? After four years of writing and editing for a newspaper, I find myself conflicted with filling up this space with the parting clichés, such as spouting out advice with a hint of scolding like a doddering old fuddy-duddy or making allusions towards my bright sparkling future. Or neither. Perhaps I could write about how these long hours spent freezing my fingers off in the basement of Hunt Union three days a week to send out a newspaper that few people read or appreciate was so-totally-worth-it (just some State Times humor, staff—it was worth sacrificing time that could have been spent on homework or being social or working at a real job).
Perhaps I could write about my social college experience and how I never ceased to be amazed at how much disrespect students have for their bodies, human beings and the town versus the respect they have for alcohol—but that, dear reader, is old news. I could drone on about my concerns with ever having a job that makes enough money for any food that isn’t rice and beans. However I’ve seemed to become quite comfortable with being poor and it really allows me to appreciate the satisfaction in beginning each month with a solid zero balance; the phrase “starting afresh” has become all too familiar. I could write how much I will miss the mysterious and sporadic weather here in Oneonta. To this day I never know what to wear or expect, but usually I dress for arctic conditions.
There is of course the option of offering a look into a pressing political issue that makes me appear informed and passionate. But that would require effort and I’m a senior, so, maybe fluffy clouds and unicorns are a perfect alternative. I would write an editorial that is highly opinionated about a subject I feel inclined towards, but I’ve done that, and readers have yet to develop the ability to distinguish the difference between a news story and an editorial. I suppose I could write about the joys of working three different food service jobs in this town and the great amount of respect and tips I have accumulated over the years, but that would be a short piece. Perhaps I could write about the long quiet summers I spent here where I began to savor solitude and view indoor air conditioning as a luxury I rarely indulged in, but rediscovered the quick, cold efficiency of a sprinkler again. I would like to write something that is the prime example of what a newspaper was created for and showcases the importance of this service, perhaps some of my past pieces could reiterate, especially the article about cats. I just haven’t the time at the moment.
I could write about how my extra-curricular involvements have in some shape or form made me feel prepared to apply for work that isn’t McDonalds and that I’ve met some people that are worth a damn in the process; but that is so high school yearbook. There are so many options and choices and ways in which to project myself and reach out to you or offend you, reader. Do you now see the challenge? But when I look back on my writing experience, most of my work was done for my own personal satisfaction. I knew I could not please everyone long before I could even hold a pen. Perhaps Dr.Seuss gives the best advice when he says “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” So it seems I come to a close with an editorial that says nothing and everything. I don’t mind.
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