Editorial: EIC reflects on experience, says goodbye

Editor in Chief Olivia Bousquet graduates after being a part of Cardinal Points for two and a half years.

When joining Cardinal Points, I did not anticipate that I would be spending more than 16 hours a week dedicated to an editorial position. And that number doesn’t include interviewing sources and writing stories. 

However, I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities, experiences and connections the publication has given me. 

I started as an opinion writer in fall 2020. This was my first serious endeavor at reporting and writing for a publication. I was nervous about broadcasting my articles to the whole campus. I was lucky to have a great editor, Jess Johnson, build my confidence and hone my writing. 

I was then asked to be a co-news editor in spring 2021, which is when the real time commitment began. As an editor, I was in the office laying out pages Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., and I was back Thursday between classes to finish around 5:30 p.m. I was writing stories, coming up with ideas for next week and communicating with staff writers. This was not above and beyond work either, but the expectation for editors entering the CP newsroom. 

For the following two semesters, I was the sole news and managing editor. I watched writers dedicate so much time to reporting stories to our campus community. Cardinal Points is addictive once you join. I loved hearing from sources about stories, seeing the paper in stands around campus and the community, and making connections with staff and editors. 

Then in spring 2022, the saddest decision had to be made. Cardinal Points was no longer going to print. It was a financial decision that needed to happen, but my heart broke. I loved reading the paper, flipping through the pages and clipping out all my articles. It was hard to believe I was going to be at the helm of transitioning from hand-held newspapers to a fully digital element. 

While we were going through this, I was, and still am, so grateful for former Editor in Chief Alana Penny. She provided me with advice, guidance and friendship throughout my time at Cardinal Points. I couldn’t have made the transition to EIC smoothly without her.

As of fall 2022, I became editor in chief. It was a weird experience giving up control over the layout of my section, but I was fortunate to have dedicated, passionate editors leading those sections. Cardinal Points has been a foundation for growth. My experience as a journalism student would be vastly different without the hands-on work CP provided me. 

This experience has not all been sunshine, but a realistic journey. I have cried from frustration, laughed with relief and smiled at our accomplishments. That was the beauty of working for a rigorous publication: we all are learning and growing as students, as journalists and as people. 

I want to thank Adviser Shawn Murphy for always being consistent and honest with us. I learned so much from weekly critiques about what to do better, what mistakes I made and where I did really well. Your dedication to the publication has been unwavering, and I appreciate all the advice and guidance during my time here.

To my editors this past semester, I know it hasn’t been an easy one, but thank you for your perseverance and hard work. You have made my last semester a great one. I will miss being there with you every step of the way next semester, but I will be rooting for you and always reading your work. 

I am, but one EIC from a long-line dating back to 1969, and I know the lineage will be adding another great one in the spring. I have no doubt that Sydney Hakes will continue to lead Cardinal Points with vigor, passion and diligence. She has been a rock for me this past semester, and I couldn’t have done it without her help. 

I want to wish the best of luck to Aleksandra Sidorova, Collin Bolebruch and Bryn Fawn as they continue providing quality articles to the community. Cardinal Points is fortunate to have you, and I can’t wait to see the great work you do. 

Finally, goodbye to Cardinal Points. I dedicate the start of my professional career to you, as you have given me the opportunity to become a better journalist over the past two and a half years. I will forever cherish the memories I made here and the friendships I have gained.