A final thanks to the people who matter most…

When I first walked in the door of The Southern DIGEST three years ago, I never imagined I would one day serve as Editor in Chief of the award winning publication. Now, as my tenure comes to an end, I must say I am left with a feeling of complete satisfaction for the unexpected year God had in store for me.
What most people don’t realize is being EIC of a student publication is a task and responsibility no one is ever ready for. But as a dedicated journalist and lover of your university, you make necessary choices and mold yourself into the leader your staff, faculty and administration expects of you.
This year has been one wild ride for me from start to finish. No one, but other student leaders and EICs before me, can understand the daunting task it is to manage a staff of sensitive editors, amateur reporters and still find the time to excel in your studies. But through it all, somehow I still managed to do it, but not without the love and support of my family, friends and staff.
To my parents: thanks for just being there for me. Whether it was me calling for money, or just to rant and rave about something with the newspaper that wasn’t going my way, you always answered my calls and offered me astute words of advice and encouragement. It was you who believed in me first when I doubted I could ever serve as an effective Editor in Chief. It was you guys who were the financial backbone I needed to successfully serve as EIC this year, and for that reason alone, I will ALWAYS be grateful. Everything I do is to make you guys proud of me, and I only hope to one day be able to repay you both for everything you’ve given me this year.
To my friends: thanks for putting up with me this year. Being EIC changed me, and often times I failed to be the Terry you’ve always known and loved because I had to be the Terry who had responsibilities many men couldn’t handle. For all the times I couldn’t hang out with you because I was trapped in the office for layout, I promise to make it up to you guys after graduation. But even though I had to change to properly perform my job, thank you all for not changing and understanding why I did what I had to do. My friends are truly my extended family, and without any of you I could never be the success I am today.
To my staff: thanks for sharing my dream and letting me lead you on the memorable journey we had this year. When I was appointed EIC, the most important thing I wanted to do was make working for The DIGEST fun again. I chose each of you for my editorial staff because all of you possessed the qualities and determination it took to complement my vision for the paper. Through all my rants and mood swings, you remained dedicated, and we truly evolved into a family. I couldn’t have accomplished anything I set out to do without the love and support of you all. From the bottom of my heart, I love y’all!
My matriculation at Southern University has been a rollercoaster ride I would never hesitate to ride again. In a few short weeks, I’ll be able to proudly say, “I am a Southern University alum!” And with that statement comes a power all its own. We may not always have the best of this or that, but what we do have we need to be proud of. Because for all the problems this university faces each year, it still produces some of this state’s most prominent leaders and influential dignitaries of tomorrow. I only now look forward to the day when I will be working for The New Times and will be called upon to interview one of my fellow SU alums who has gone on to achieve great things.
You only get one life to live, so live it to the fullest. Never look back, and definitely don’t become consumed by the opinions and viewpoints of others. Remember, they talked about Jesus too, and look at all the great things he accomplished. It’s when they STOP talking that should cause you to worry.
Yours in kind,
Terry L. Jones
DIGEST Editor in Chief 2006-07