Every job — no matter how big of bullshit it is — will teach you something if you let it. It’s been exactly one year since I was hired as the opinions editor for the Daily 49er. Before that, I was the assistant opinions editor — a job that didn’t entail nearly as many responsibilities as the latter. That first statement is true for my experience as opinions editor — and for any editor, I would expect.
Today marks my last day as opinions editor, and I can truly say it’s been one hell of a ride. Nonetheless, I’m taking a lot of knowledge with me. And I’m dedicating this article to those who may possibly become the opinions editor next semester, or the semester after that, or the semester after that. To all of you, remember the following:
Your smart phone is your best friend. There were a few months of being opinions editor during which I did not have a smart phone, and let me tell you, those were the hardest months. Every second I wasn’t at a computer, I was stressing about whether or not articles were being sent to me on time. So, for your own sake, get a smart phone. And, if you have a smart phone, download news apps so you can stay on top of your shit.
Second, the AP Style book is your bible. Know your numbers, know your name titles, and know your dates. The less you have to refer back to the AP Style book the easier life is.
This next one applies to even life itself. Be patient. Be patient with your writers, editors, designers, and most importantly with yourself. This position can be really frustrating at times. You’re dealing with deadlines, editing, some fact checking, debating, and tedious designing. Just be patient and know you will get everything done on those days that seem to go by a little slower.
Along with patience, you want to be curious. There is no better debater than one that pays attention to all sides of the spectrum. Look into everything. Be curious about what’s going on on campus, nationwide, internationally, and locally. You hurt yourself more being close-minded, especially with this position. You can’t blindfoldedly have an opinion. The more information you can gather about a matter, the better your opinion will be formed.
Next, you know some of those comments that people post on the Daily 49er website? The ones that leave you shocked that someone you don’t even know could say whatever it is about you, your opinion and your writing? Well, keep this cliché in mind: “keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” When you have haters, you know you’re doing something write. Those people are your inspiration. Don’t let their comments get to you. You’re stating your opinion; they’re the ones bashing it, so who’s making a fool of whom?
Lastly, make friends with your co-workers. These people are beautiful people. They might curse like pirates, but hey, we’re writers. Most importantly, though, you will learn so much from everyone in the newsroom. Pay attention to them, communicate with them, and take whatever knowledge you can from them. More over, that’s the only way to make your working environment that much better: by making it feel like your second home. And what better way than to make the effort to connect yourself with your co-workers? The more in sync a staff is, the better their product will be.
That being said, manyy thanks to the Daily 49er and all those involved. You have opened my eyes to so much. I know you’ll keep up your amazing work this spring semester.
Sonia Guillen is a senior journalism major and opinions editor for the Daily 49er.
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