Confucius is quoted as saying, “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in getting up every time we do.”

I can safely say that my two years running this paper have been an upward struggle, where at times, I was certain that I would fail and the organization would fall apart. Perhaps I am being a little dramatic- but these two years have taught me how to lead, how to interact with different kinds of people, and how to deal with problems on a strict deadline.

When I took over this organization in 2010, I was worried that I wouldn’t be the leader that the Ionian needed and that I wouldn’t be able to advance us any further. I was concerned that it would be an endeavour much too difficult for me.

As months passed and the bonds in the staff grew stronger, I knew that I was meant to lead this newspaper. I was able to write our first staff manual, launch a Web site, and build a staff that is cohesive and works well together.

My time at the Ionian changed the way I experienced college and the people around me while I learned important lessons along the way that I am going to share with you.

Don’t ever get complacent or comfortable.

As soon as this happens, something is guaranteed to go wrong. Always be on your toes and feeling out what is going on with the people around you. If you sense something is wrong, it probably is and the best way to confront problems is to just bring it up and talk about it.

Deadlines always require a food, snack and coffee break.

If you know it’s going to be a 15 hour day, don’t ever try to do everything at once. It’s important to take some time to eat and relax the brain. Reading 10 pt. font for 6 hours will make you go slightly crazy. Oh, and it also doesn’t hurt if you put on some country music while editing.

Push all the barriers and cross all the lines.

Newspapers are and should be the cornerstone to every society. As such, it should also be an important part of the college campus. It’s important to reach out to be cognizant of what the students need to know and what they want to read. At the same time, never feel like you have to censor yourself for the sake of administration.

Cherish the people around you.

This is the most important thing I’ve learned. It’s hard to lead without a staff of amazing people, and I’ve been fortunate to have a great group of people on my newspaper. Hard working and dedicated, they’ve pushed this newspaper further than I’ve seen it in four years and are always stepping up when something goes wrong.

Of all the things I will miss about the Ionian and Iona College, it will be the greatness that has surrounded me.

I know my staff is worried that next year will be difficult without me, but they will be more than capable of carrying on the tradition and taking this newspaper further than I could have imagined.

You all have been an inspiration to me and have kept me going when things got hard. Always remember how worthy and amazing you all are and you will be amazing.

So I guess this is my goodbye to this wonderful organization and the people in it. It sure has been an honor working alongside you and dedicating a large portion of my time to this truly remarkable group of people.

To contact The Ionian’s Heather Nannery, e-mail her at [email protected]